Only a few bowls of this type, rare in both size and decoration, have been recorded. Measuring 10in (25cm) across, they are decorated with eight black and white cranes, each carrying one of the ba-jixiang in its beak as it flies among green clouds over a band of waves crashing against rocks. The interior mirrors the incised and enamelled design with two cranes circling a shou character, while the base, left, is painted with a six-character mark of the period.
Christie's sold a similar bowl in Hong Kong in April 2003 for the sterling equivalent of £131,000. The vendor at this Derby sale had been given the bowl 10-15 years ago by the Chinese family for whom they had worked as a translator. It was not in such fine condition (it was scratched to the glaze) but was competed by two interested parties (both dealers bidding for clients) to £72,000 (plus 15% buyer's premium).
