Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An exquisitely painted Chinese porcelain bowl featuring a continuous exterior scene of elegant court ladies (meiren) engaged in leisurely pursuits within a lush garden landscape. The base bears a six-character apocryphal Yongzheng reign mark in underglaze blue, accompanied by a red wax export seal.
Story
Created during a period of intense cultural revival, this bowl depicts the idealized world of the Chinese court. The ladies are shown playing weiqi, practicing calligraphy, and chasing butterflies—activities symbolizing refined scholarly elegance.
Maker / Origin
While bearing the mark of the Yongzheng Emperor (who ruled from 1723 to 1735), this piece was crafted by highly skilled 20th-century artisans in Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of China. These masters specialized in recreating the legendary, delicate aesthetics of the imperial past for an appreciative global market.
Condition & Value
The bowl appears to be in excellent condition with no visible cracks, chips, or hairline fractures. The gilded rim shows very minor, expected wear consistent with age, and the enamel colors remain vibrant. Excellent condition like this commands a premium in the Chinese art market.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.