Pair of massive 18th-century Chinese celadon fish bowls with incised and relief decoration. The exterior of the bowl is decorated with a profusion of waves, clouds, flames and shi shi or foo dogs playing over a rolling sea of waves. The top and bottom are framed by a border of repeating ruyi heads. The central ground is carved down to the waves leaving the clouds and dogs in high relief.

Provenance: The collection of Bruce Dayton and Ruth Stricker Dayton - Selections from The Marsh, Minnetonka, Minnesota.
Each, including base, height: 23 1/2 in x diameter: 29 1/2 in.

One bowl has a network of two large cracks through the bottom and is surrounded by a circular crack that runs the circumference of the bottom. These cracks have been repaired and overspray is visible under close inspection and under UV light. A large X-shaped crack is visible along the interior along the side of the bowl; the crack is noticeable under close inspection along the exterior of the bowl. There are mineral deposits and tidelines along the interior of the vessel. Mineral deposits gathered in the cracks of the bowl. Small firing flaws throughout the interior. There are a few small chips along the exterior of the bowl. Overspray/repairs visible along the footrim consistent with the circular crack visible along the interior. Wear to the underside consistent with age and use. There is a network of small white accretions to the exterior of the bowl that can be removed with a fingernail. Some lighter accretions throughout. Heavy wear to the wooden stand.

To the other bowl there is a circular firing flaw along the interior. Mineral deposits gathered along the interior of the bowl in this firing flaw. Mineral deposits and tidelines visible along the interior of the bowl. There are small firing flaws throughout the interior. There is wear throughout including a few small chips to the exterior of the bowl. Wear to the footrim consistent with age and use. There is a network of small white accretions to the exterior of the bowl that can be removed with a fingernail. Some lighter accretions throughout including residual tape affixed to the exterior. There is a slightly dark stain to the pale green background in one area. Heavy wear to the wooden stand.

To view additional photos of this lot, please follow this link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kpsc2ybwmog8mh5/AABiBTfGK4ksxpmGcP1Uj-xra?dl=0