During the Yongzheng era (1723–1735), tea bowls played roles far beyond daily use—they became refined symbols of discipline, taste, and imperial authority.
As the emperor championed elegant simplicity, tea bowls reflected this aesthetic through thin bodies, restrained palettes, and flawless glazes. They served as tools of cultivation, guiding scholars and courtiers toward mindful tea practices that aligned with the period’s emphasis on clarity and moral refinement.
At court, tea bowls also functioned as diplomatic gifts: discreet yet powerful tokens expressing the precision and sophistication of Yongzheng craftsmanship.
In the imperial workshops, they drove technical innovation—experiments in monochromes, famille-rose enamels, and perfectly proportioned forms set new standards for Qing porcelain.
Ultimately, Yongzheng tea bowls were vessels of culture, embodying harmony between artistry, ritual, and imperial ideals.
Below is detailed information about the extremely rare pair of Yongzheng famille rose 'prunus and lingzhi' tea bowls mentioned in this link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmkEAcXiL5E :
Key Identification and Historical Context
Period and Marks: The bowls bear the Yongzheng six-character marks in underglaze blue within circles and are of the period (1722–1735).
Dimensions: They measure approximately 3 9/16 in. (9.1 cm.) in diameter.
Aesthetic Significance: The exquisite bowls display vibrant enamels and meticulous craftsmanship, epitomizing the Yongzheng Emperor's pursuit of aesthetic perfection, distinctive taste, and high standards for refinement and sophistication.
Decoration, Rarity, and Symbolism
The bowls are delicately potted with rounded sides, and the exterior is finely enameled with the highly symbolic design of prunus and lingzhi:
Design Details:
- The exterior features gnarled branches of flowering prunus blossom and bamboo, above a spray of lingzhi.
- The interior of the bowls is plain.
- The sharp contrast between the bare, gnarled boughs and the refreshingly vivid buds and blooms is deliberate, highlighting the passing of winter and the imminent arrival of spring.
Auspicious Symbolism
Prunus blossoms (plum blossom) symbolize rebirth and longevity, as they bloom in snowy-white and pink shades during the winter. Their ability to flower despite harsh frost made them one of the “Three Friends of Winter,” celebrated for endurance, purity, and the quiet strength of renewal.
In Chinese decorative arts, the prunus often appears on scholar’s objects, ceramics, and paintings to evoke resilience and the promise of spring after hardship.
The lingzhi fungus is highly revered in Chinese art and is believed to bestow humans with physical and spiritual strength. Long associated with immortals, sages, and Daoist alchemy, lingzhi represents vitality, divine protection, and the aspiration to transcend the ordinary world.
The pairing of prunus and lingzhi also reiterates the wish for the pursuit of youth and the Daoist concept of immortality, merging worldly perseverance with otherworldly blessings.
Rarity: The pairing of the prunus with the lingzhi, as seen on these bowls, is considered exceptionally rare. This combination appears far less frequently than more common auspicious motifs such as lotus, peony, or narcissus.
Its presence suggests a deliberate artistic choice—one meant to communicate layered symbolism, elite taste, and perhaps even a personalized blessing for the object’s original owner.
Auction Information
The pair of tea bowls was a highlight of the "Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art" sale held by Christie's.
Provenance: They were from an important Asian private collection. They were previously sold at Christie's Hong Kong on October 30, 1995, as Lot 752.
Sale Details (Christie's Hong Kong):
Estimate: HKD 20,000,000 – HKD 30,000,000.
Price Realized: HKD 29,415,000.
Auction Date: The most recent closing date for the item listed was May 2, 2025.
No comments:
Post a Comment