Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a beautiful pair of flared porcelain bowls decorated with underglaze blue crashing waves and iron-red bats flying above. The base of each bowl features a six-character mark reading 'Da Qing Yongzheng Nian Zhi' within a double circle, rendered in underglaze blue.
Story
In Chinese culture, the combination of red bats and turbulent waves is a visual pun. The word for bat, 'fu', sounds exactly like the word for blessings, while the red color represents joy. Together with the sea, they represent the phrase 'May your blessings be as vast as the Eastern Sea.'
Maker / Origin
While bearing the mark of the Yongzheng Emperor (who ruled from 1723 to 1735), these bowls are later tribute pieces. Chinese potters have a centuries-old tradition of placing 'apocryphal' marks of earlier, revered dynasties on their wares as a sign of respect for the artistic heights of the past, rather than to deceive.
Condition & Value
The bowls appear to be in good condition with no obvious cracks or large chips visible in the photos. There is some typical wear and discoloration on the unglazed foot rims. Excellent condition free of hairline cracks or chips is vital to maintaining value in Chinese porcelain.
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.