Large Blue and White Bowl with Eight Immortals Birthday Motif, Jiajing Period Ming Dynasty, 16th Century Ming Imperial Blue and White Figural Large Bowl

拍品描述

Dimensions: 28.5 cm (11.22 inches) in diameter, 12 cm (4.72 inches) in height. A 16th-century Ming Jiajing blue and white bowl, decorated with a scene depicting figures. Condition and Provenance: This Jiajing blue and white bowl is covered with a thick, smooth white glaze. The cobalt blue pigment exhibits the typical grayish-blue hue of the mid-Ming period, characteristic of imported cobalt ore from Huiqing. The exterior is decorated with a complete depiction of the Eight Immortals, with flowing and precise lines depicting their robes, cloud patterns, rocks, and plants. The center of the interior features a figure of the God of Longevity, wearing a sacred halo. The base bears the standard six-character underglaze mark, "Made in the Jiajing Reign of the Great Ming Dynasty." This bowl is in perfect condition, without cracks, fine lines, chips, repairs, or glaze peeling. The rim and foot show only slight natural wear, a result of centuries of natural use. The exposed unglazed foot is a pure white, milky white with soft, natural patina from firing, untouched by any artificial polishing or antiquing treatment. The glaze displays the soft, natural marks of time accumulated over long periods of storage. This antique porcelain piece initially circulated through an antique porcelain gallery in Hong Kong and entered the collection of a private collector in New York specializing in Ming dynasty imperial porcelain in 2026. Hong Kong, New York, and Washington State are major trading centers for Qing and Ming dynasty porcelain globally. Description: This large blue-and-white longevity bowl from the Jiajing period of the Ming dynasty is a striking, heavy, and practical vessel from the 16th-century Chinese imperial kilns, also serving a decorative purpose. Bowls of this size are rare among extant antique porcelain, and those in excellent condition with intact figures and decorations are extremely rare on the international auction market. The bowl follows the typical large bowl shape of the Jiajing period: a wide rim, a deep belly, and a broad, stable foot. Both the interior and exterior are decorated with layered Taoist longevity motifs. The bowl's walls are surrounded by the Eight Immortals, each holding their unique magical implements, strolling among layered artificial mountains and flowing cloud patterns. Each immortal is depicted with a vivid and natural posture, their robes flowing, surrounded by pine trees, rocks, and other scenery, showcasing the exquisite blue-and-white figure painting techniques of the Jiajing period. The center of the bowl is decorated with a circular motif surrounding the God of Longevity, encircled by a radiant halo. Pine trees, stone railings, and auspicious herbs adorn the surrounding area, echoing the decorations on the outside of the bowl and together forming the auspicious theme of the Eight Immortals celebrating the God of Longevity's birthday. This porcelain piece uses the unique Huiqing cobalt blue glaze from the mid-Ming dynasty imperial porcelain workshops, exhibiting distinct layers of blue hues, with a seamless gradient from light to dark. The pure white glaze is even and translucent, with delicate double blue lines adorning the edges and lower body. The foot rim is inscribed with a standard six-character reign mark within two concentric circles, the brushstrokes vigorous and powerful, a model of imperial porcelain marks from the Jiajing period. The Jiajing Emperor was a devout follower of Taoism; therefore, immortals and the God of Longevity were the main decorative themes of imperial porcelain at that time. This large bowl combines practicality for banquets with elegant display value, making it an ideal choice for the halls of scholars and literati. It possesses rich academic research value, encompassing various aspects such as Ming Dynasty Taoist folk customs, imperial porcelain-making techniques, and the historical development of cobalt blue pigment in China. With its intact body and well-preserved decorative patterns, this porcelain piece is highly sought after by imperial porcelain collectors worldwide and maintains a stable and reliable long-term appreciation value.

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