Ming Dynasty, Xuande Period (1426–1435) Blue and White Foliate-Rim Bowl Decorated with Floral and Fruit Sprays

拍品描述

Dimensions: Diameter 23 cm (9.06 in), Height 7.5 cm (2.95 in); 15th Century，Condition & Provenance: Preserved in excellent overall condition with a lustrous glaze, vibrant cobalt decoration, and a clearly written six-character Xuande reign mark in underglaze blue on the base. From a private collection in New York, USA, acquired through the Asian art market and held in a long-term private collection.Description: This elegant foliate-rim bowl is modeled in the classic douli (conical) form favored during the Xuande reign of the Ming dynasty. The softly lobed rim flows naturally into gently sloping walls before tapering to a neatly finished foot ring, creating a refined and balanced silhouette. The vessel is covered inside and out with a luminous bluish-white glaze that provides a striking contrast to the richly painted cobalt-blue decoration. The exterior is densely decorated with naturalistic sprays of pomegranate, lychee, grape, peony, and other auspicious blossoms and fruits, while the foot is encircled by a continuous scrolling vine border. Inside, the rim is embellished with a delicate floral border, the cavetto features scrolling floral sprays, and the center medallion is painted with an elegant fruit-and-flower composition that echoes the decoration on the exterior. Executed in imported Sumali cobalt, the decoration displays the deep sapphire-blue tone associated with early Ming imperial porcelain, with natural iron-rich "heaped and piled" effects visible in areas of concentrated pigment. The foot ring is precisely finished, and the recessed base bears a neatly written six-character Xuande reign mark enclosed within double circles. Fired at high temperature using the finest underglaze-blue technique of the period, this bowl combines refined craftsmanship, exceptional painting, and an imposing presentation, making it an outstanding example of early Ming blue-and-white porcelain.

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