A Chinese 'Sang-de-Boef' copper red lotus bowl, Yongle six-character mark but later
Of elegantly lobed form and decorated with a rich copper red glaze, thinning to white at the rim, the underside with an inscription stating that the piece was a gift from the prince Zhu Di to his mentor Yao Guangxiao.
22.5cm dia.

Private English collection.

Yao Guangxiao, formerly known as Daoyan (1335-1418), was a military strategist and statesman. He was instrumental in the revolt against the emperor Jianwen which resulted in prince Zhu Di becoming the emperor Yongle, after which Daoyan was bestowed the name Yao Guangxiao, and granted the title Crown Prince's Preceptor. Evidently this bowl celebrates their relationship and is inscribed to the effect that it was a Royal gift from Yongle (prince Zhu Di) to Yao Guangxiao.

Condition Report

Negligible signs of age only.

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