A FINE AND RARE MOULDED CELADON-GLAZED 'RUYI' BOWL MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG

well potted with deep rounded sides rising from a short straight foot to a gently flared rim, the exterior crisply moulded with a central band formed of interlocking undulating scrollwork accentuated with ruyi ends, applied overall save for the base with a pale celadon gently thinning on the raised motifs, the white base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within a double circle
11.5 cm, 4 1/2 in.

Provenance:
Remarkable for its fine potting, impeccable tactile glaze and elegant moulded decoration, the present bowl epitomises the delicacy and precision of monochrome porcelains achieved by the imperial kilns during the Yongzheng period.

Continuing from the innovations during the Kangxi reign, the Yongzheng Emperor further improved the recipe of revival celadon-type glazes inspired by earlier Longquan celadon wares. By lowering the iron content in these glazes, a range of more sophisticated and finely textured celadon glazes became available. These delicate mineral compositions were then applied to fine white porcelains made in Jingdezhen, resulting in a more translucent, almost watery representation of the glaze. Moreover, as evident on the present bowl, the intricacy of the glaze is further enhanced by its combination with moulded or carved decorations in relief, where there are subtle variations in tonal texture as the glaze pools in the recessed areas.

Although Yongzheng celadon-glazed bowls with moulded or carved decoration are known, examples of relatively smaller size as the present bowl are rare. Moreover, they appear to be less formulated than their larger counterparts, as a range of different decorative repertoire can be found. A near identical bowl with the same design was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 20th March 1990, lot 727. Compare also a bowl of similar size moulded with a floral scroll, from the Meiyintang Collection, sold in these rooms, 7th April 2011, lot 23; and another decorated with bats sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 29th November 2017, lot 2802.