A small Falangcai ceramic bowl, believed to be commissioned by the Qing dynasty Emperor Kangxi (1661-1722), apparently ‘broke’ the Internet when it went under the gavel at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, ultimately selling for a truly staggering HK$238 million. Perhaps even more impressively, far from decrying its valuation as ludicrous, most leading art authorities seem to believe it is worth every cent, largely on account of its rarity and provenance.
Previously taking pride of place in the private collection of Henry M, Knight, a renowned 20th century Brutish enthusiast for Chinese ceramics, this magnificently-crafted artifact, fetchingly decorated with an intricate floral motif and four turquoise quatrefoil lobes, enchants even those unaware of its singular history.
What makes it truly unique, however, is that it is thought to be have been decorated and glazed in the exclusive imperial workshops hidden away within the precincts of Beijing’s Forbidden City. Featuring the Emperor’s favoured design theme – Imperial Flower Garden – the bowl was almost certainly fashioned for Kangxi’s exclusive use, as indicated by the by the phrase ‘Kangxi yuzhi’ (‘Made by the Imperial Order of Kangxi’), which is still clearly discernible on its base.