Page 232 - Bonhams Fine Chinese Art Nov 2013 London

A Personal Note from the Collector

The decision to finally part with our most prized piece
has taken an ‘incubation’ period of more than a full year.
The long possession since 1978 of the wucai fish bowl
from the Longqing period (1567-1572) has made the
fish bowl on its stand part of our entertainment and
household. Without realising it the artful execution of the
bowl crept into our house...
This whole involvement with this extremely rare fish bowl
was enhanced by our visit during the 1980s to the Sir
Percival David Foundation in London (now in the British
Museum), where an almost identical fish bowl was
exhibited. The design of the ducks, fauna and flora on
the Percival David bowl is very similar or almost identical.
As the diameter of our bowl is slightly larger, the overall
scenery looks more elegant and intimate. In short, if we
had to choose between the two, quality wise, we would
prefer ours...
This statement explains maybe again how deeply we
foster the Longqing bowl in our hearts. However, beauty
should, at the end, be admired. Having come near the
end of our lives, we do wish to share our long-term
pleasures with the future new owners, be it in a favourite
collection, be it in another museum in the world, where
the intense admiration for the Chinese potter’s art can
be multi-fold and perennial.