DAOGUANG SIX-CHARACTER SEAL MARK IN UNDERGLAZE BLUE AND OF THE PERIOD (1821-1850)

Yangcai ‘medallion’ bowls were first produced during the Qianlong reign, with production continuing into subsequent reigns and reaching the heigh of popularity during the Daoguang period. Ground colours range from blue, pink, ruby, to yellow, while the medallion decorations vary from ‘floral’, ‘landscape’, ‘objects of antiquity’, to 'three rams' and ‘cowherd and weavermaid’.

The grounds of most Daoguang 'medallion' bowls feature a sgraffito design, where patterns are incised through the enamelled ground before firing. The present bowl is distinguished from the majority by its painted design on the enamelled ground, rather than the typical carved decoration, as well as by the unusual motif of the lingzhi and lotus spray between the medallions, establishing it as an exceptionally rare example.