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Fencai Enameled Porcelain 'Prunus and Lingzhi' Bowl

Chinese porcelain bowl with prunus blossom interior and Loo provenance label on base. - view 1
1/2

Estimated value

$1,500 - $4,500

Rarity

Scarce(6/10)

Category

Asian Art

Era

Early 20th century (Late Qing to Republic Period)

Origin

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ China

Authenticity

Uncertain(35%)
4

FENCAI ENAMELED PORCELAIN 'PRUNUS AND LINGZHI' BOWL: IDENTIFICATION

A fine-textured porcelain bowl decorated in overglaze fencai enamels. The interior features a gnarled prunus (plum blossom) branch extending from the base, while the exterior depicts lingzhi fungus, bamboo, and floral sprays. A four-character blue overglaze mark in a double square on the base reads 'Kangxi Yuzhi' (Imperial Made in the Kangxi Reign). A paper label affixed to the base reads '1921 from C.T. Loo'.

Compare with other Asian art pieces in the archive: Chinese Archaistic Carved Jade Figure, Hongshan/Shang Style, Balinese Art Deco Wooden Sculpture of a Winged Celestial (Kinnari), Chinese Archaistic 'Taotie' and 'Chilong' Jade Pendant.

DYNASTY & PROVENANCE

The Kangxi period (1662–1722) marked a pinnacle in Qing dynasty ceramic production, specifically the development of 'famille rose' or fencai enamels. C.T. Loo (1880–1957) was a prominent and controversial Chinese art dealer active in Paris and New York during the early 20th century; items with his ...
The Kangxi period (1662–1722) marked a pinnacle in Qing dynasty ceramic production, specifically the development of 'famille rose' or fencai enamels. C.T. Loo (1880–1957) was a prominent and controversial Chinese art dealer active in Paris and New York during the early 20th century; items with his provenance were frequently sold through his gallery, Lai-Yuan & Co., as documented in historical auction records from the 1910s and 1920s.

COLLECTOR NOTES

1

C.T. Loo's pagoda-style gallery in Paris still exists today and served as a major conduit for Chinese imperial treasures entering Western collections between 1910 and 1950.

2

The lingzhi fungus depicted on the exterior of this bowl has been a symbol of longevity and immortality in Chinese art for over 2,000 years, often associated with the mythical Kunlun Mountain.

SCARCITY

Scarce80-90%
CommonLegendary

Genuinely harder to find. Perhaps only dozens come to market annually. Collectors actively watch for these pieces.

Rarity 6/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 5 asian items at rarity 6 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Dozens per year at market
  • Documented provenance valued
  • Active collector pursuit

Confidence Factors

  • The 'Kangxi Yuzhi' mark is in overglaze blue enamel, which was frequently used on late 19th and early 20th-century 'honoring the past' reproductions.
  • Provenace labels like 'C.T. Loo' are highly desirable and are occasionally faked to inflate the value of Republic-era pieces.
  • The enamel palette appears 19th-century or later in its tonal range compared to authentic Kangxi period prototypes.

Expert review recommended. Consider consulting a specialist before making purchasing decisions.

How does authenticity detection work?

ASIAN ART SCHOLAR'S TAKE

Ceramics Historian & Kiln Specialist

Ceramics Expert

Confidence is steady due to the clear mark and known label provenance, but elevated risk remains because late 19th-century reproductions of this exact style are common.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Double-square 'Kangxi Yuzhi' mark suggests a high-quality apocryphal mark or a later imperial-style production.
  • 2Presence of a C.T. Loo provenance label (dated 1921) aligns with historical trade flows of the Republic period.
  • 3Thinness of the walls and clarity of the white paste indicate high-quality Jingdezhen clay body.
  • 4The fencai (rose-colored) enamel shades were commercially perfected after the authentic Kangxi period, pointing to a later 19th or early 20th-century date.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • β€’The overglaze blue of the mark lacks the depth and 'sinking' into the glaze found in genuine 18th-century imperial wares.
  • β€’Provenance labels themselves must be scrutinized for paper age and adhesive type (should be gum arabic or starch-based).

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • β†’Transilluminate the bowl with a strong light to check for the 'secret' translucency of the paste.
  • β†’Examine the paper label under UV light to check for modern fluorescence in the adhesive.
  • β†’Compare the specific calligraphy of the 'Kangxi Yuzhi' mark against verified examples in the Palace Museum collection.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

Glaze remains bright with no visible chips or hairline fractures; the footrim shows minor shelf wear consistent with 100 years of age.

ASIAN ART VALUATION

$1,500 - $4,500

Updated: May 10, 2026

Who buys this

Specialized collectors of Qing dynasty and Republic period porcelains, particularly those seeking established 20th-century provenance.

What increases value

  • β€’The C.T. Loo provenance adds significant historical interest and marketability.
  • β€’The fine quality of the painting and 'eggshell' thinness of the porcelain.

What lowers value

  • β€’If the label is found to be a later addition, value drops to $400-$800.
  • β€’Any hidden hairlines detectible only by a 'ring' test would reduce value by 50%.

What makes top-tier examples

  • β€’Perfect symmetry in the gnarled branch painting.
  • β€’Total translucency of the porcelain when held to light.

Grade & condition

Presence of chips, quality of the enamel firing (absence of pinholes), and legitimacy of the provenance marks.

Rarity & demand

ScarceModerate demandModerate liquidity
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For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

JK

jkjk
Wonderseekerβ€’1 item

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