32.5 cm. (12 3/4 in.) high

Of compressed globular form with high shoulders, the body rising to a tall straight neck, the exterior is decorated with writhing dragons chasing flaming pearls amongst clouds and flames, all between crashing waves at the foot and a band of ruyi heads at the rim, the base with an imperial four-character kaishu iron red hall mark.Shende Tang or ‘Hall of Prudent Virtue' is located in the grounds of the Yuanming Yuan, and was the main residence of the Daoguang emperor (1821-1850). Imperial porcelain bearing the four-character kaishu hall mark Shende Tang zhi (Made for the Hall of Prudent Virtue), was made for the Daoguang emperor' s personal use. Shende Tang was completed in 1831, which attributes these special groups of Shende Tang marked porcelain to the 20 years between 1831-1850. According to Stacey Pierson, Senior Lecturer in the department of Art and Archaeology at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, there are no less than 30 types of imperial Shende Tang porcelains are extant in public and private collections, mostly in the shape of bowls, dishes and vases. It is therefore acceptable to conclude that Shende Tang marked porcelain is exclusive and quite rare.Provenance:A European private collection

Price estimate:
HKD: 1,600,000 - 2,000,000
USD: 204,000 - 255,000

Auction Result:
HKD: --