China, 1279-1368. Well potted with deep rounded sides supported on a short spreading foot and rising to lipped rim. Covered in a deep celadon glaze fading to mushroom along the rim and stopping in an irregular line above the foot, exposing the buff body.

Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Wou Kiuan. Wou Lien-Pai Museum, coll. no. M.2.3. Dr. Wou Kiuan (1910-1997) was a Chinese diplomat and noted scholar of Chinese art. His father, Wou Lien-Pai (1873-1944), was one the leading political figures of early 20th century China, remembered for his role as speaker and leader of parliament during the turbulent years of the Republican era. Dr. Wou himself embarked on an illustrious career in diplomacy until his retirement in 1952, when he settled in London and devoted the rest of his life to the study of Chinese art. It was no doubt fortuitous that Dr. Wou's years of collecting coincided with an abundant availability of exceptional Chinese art on the London market. From the mid-1950s to the late 1960s he was able to form a collection of well over 1,000 works that together represented virtually every category of Chinese art. At the heart of Dr. Wou's drive to collect was a burning desire to preserve the relics of China's rich historical past scattered across Europe, and to promote Chinese art and culture. It is unclear when Dr. Wou conceived of the idea to create a place to house his collection, but in 1968 he opened the doors to the Wou Lien-Pai Museum, named in honor of his father. Over the years the Museum became a 'must see' destination for collectors, academics, and visiting dignitaries, and Dr. Wou would delight in leading his visitors through the galleries, recounting stories of China's glorious history.
Condition: Good condition with minor wear and firing flaws including, minor pitting, few dark spots, and an area of kiln adhesion to the exterior (ca. 4.5 x 2.3 cm). Few small chips to the foot.

Weight: 568.3 g
Dimensions: Diameter 18.8 cm

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 9 December 2020, lot 118
Price: USD 5,625 or approx. EUR 6,100 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A large Jun bowl, Yuan dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and size (18.5), as well as the related glaze. Note the condition, with chips and gold-painted repair to the rim.