Yongle Period, Ming Dynasty, Blue and White Conical Bowl with Three Friends of Winter Motif

拍品描述

Dimensions：D.22.5cm（0.738ft） Condition & Provenance：The bowl is well‑preserved overall. Faint wear observable along rim. Unglazed foot rim bears subtle natural firing reddish patina, minor specks scattered over glaze. No chips, cracks or restoration. Former private collection of Arthur Miller, Dallas, Texas, U.S.A. Purchased from New York antique gallery in 1980s, passed down within family. No prior public auction, publication or exhibition records. Description：This conical bowl is a fine example of early Ming Yongle blue‑and‑white porcelain. It features wide flared mouth, sloping thin wall and neatly trimmed foot, presenting elegant silhouette. The exterior is fully decorated with the “Three Friends of Winter” motif: pine, bamboo and plum blossom. Pine needles are rendered in dense circular clusters, plum branches twist naturally with layered blossoms, and slender bamboo leaves stand upright. The cobalt pigment yields rich saturated blue with scattered iron rust spots, characteristic of imported smalt cobalt of Yongle era. The interior is plain glazed, centered by a double‑ring medallion enclosing scrolling lotus bloom. The foot is neatly trimmed with smooth pale base glaze. Pine, bamboo and plum symbolize noble integrity of virtuous scholars. With fine thin body, spontaneous painting style and genuine antique patina, it represents high‑quality Yongle blue‑and‑white scholar‑studio vessel.

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