29th Oct, 2021 14:00
A GILT WHITE PORCELAIN 'MAGIC BOWL' WITH SINI CALLIGRAPHY
China for the Iranian export market, possibly late Jiaqing period (1790 - 1820)
Of deep rounded shape, resting on a short circular foot, the cavetto and exterior covered in concentric bands of gilt Sini calligraphy with auspicious inscriptions and numerals, the centre with stylised numerals and inscriptions arranged in a square shape, possibly of geomantic content, 29cm diam. and 11.5cm high.
This type of Chinese porcelain wares, often presented in the shape of Islamic 'magic bowls', have been attributed to the work of potters in the Fujian province and were exported to the Islamic lands through the port of Swatow, or Shantou. Among their quintessential features, we can appreciate the presence of concentric auspicious inscriptions, often of Quranic nature; the use of overglaze red and gold enamels; and the incorporation of 'magic squares', usually repeating a sequence of 16 numerals with important numerological relevance, in their centres. They also tend to feature a rather stylised type of sini calligraphy, which often can be difficult to decipher.
For similarly decorated bowls, please see Bonhams London, 23 October 2018, lot 57, and 30 April 2019, lot 44; and Bonhams Sydney, 13 May 2020, lot 52.
Sold for £3,250
Includes Buyer's Premium
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