Lot Essay
It is very rare to find Yongle bowls of this form and decoration. Cf. the two bowls of the same shape and pattern formerly in the Fairtlough Collection and the Basmadjieff Collection, sold in Hong Kong, 28 May 1968, lots 166 and 167 and again, 14 March 1972, lots 133 and 134. Another bowl of this pattern from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. John Pope was included in the Exhibition of Ming Blue and White, Philadephia, 1949, Catalogue no. 42.
Compare also the other published examples of this form but decorated with the Three Friends of Winter, one included in the same Exhibition, no. 28, another in the Topkapi Saray Museum, illustrated by Zimmerman, Chinesische Porzellane in Alten Serai, pl. 35; and a third illustrated by John Pope, Chinese Porcelains from the Ardebil Shrine, pl. 47, no. 29.330. Other rare examples of this design were sold in our London Rooms, 3 November 1969, lot 31 and 12 October 1970, lot 22, from the Collection of Captain W.R. Clarke.
Compare also the other published examples of this form but decorated with the Three Friends of Winter, one included in the same Exhibition, no. 28, another in the Topkapi Saray Museum, illustrated by Zimmerman, Chinesische Porzellane in Alten Serai, pl. 35; and a third illustrated by John Pope, Chinese Porcelains from the Ardebil Shrine, pl. 47, no. 29.330. Other rare examples of this design were sold in our London Rooms, 3 November 1969, lot 31 and 12 October 1970, lot 22, from the Collection of Captain W.R. Clarke.