Page 21 - Sotheby's Imperial Chiense Porcelain Nov 4 2020 London

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A VERY RARE CELADON-GLAZED ‘MONK’S 清乾隆 粉青釉僧帽壺
CAP’ EWER
QIANLONG SEAL MARK AND PERIOD 《大清乾隆年製》款
the compressed globular body rising from a short tapering
foot, surmounted by a flaring cylindrical neck and a stepped,
galleried ‘monk’s cap’ collar, set to one side with a deep
channelled spout opposite a curved strap handle with
a raised ridge down the centre and a ruyi-head tab and
terminal, applied overall with a celadon glaze with a subtle
bluish tint, the base with a six-character seal mark in slip
Height 11.2 cm, 4⅜ in.
‡ £ 20,000-30,000

This charming ewer is special for its small size and
brilliant celadon glaze. Its form, known as sengmaohu,
or ‘monk’s cap’ ewer, derived from Tibetan ewers
made of metal or wood and placed in front of altars
for use in ablutions. This type of ewer was introduced
to the imperial porcelain factory in Jingdezhen in the
early Ming dynasty (1368-1644), and by the Qianlong
period examples were made in a variety of sizes and
monochrome glazes.
‘Monk’s cap’ ewers of this size are unusual, although a
similar example with cover, from the S.C. Ko Tianminlou
collection, is illustrated in Chinese Porcelain. The S.C. Ko
Tianminlou Collection, Hong Kong, 1987, vol. I, pl. 158.

mark

38 Buyers are liable to pay both the hammer price (as estimated above) and the buyer’s premium together with any applicable taxes and Artist’s Resale Right (which will depend on the individual circumstances). 39
Refer to the Buying at Auction and VAT sections at the back of this catalogue for further information.