Beauty of White Gold – A Yongzheng Tea Bowl
This rare imperial teabowl for sale on May 17 is generating plenty of interest
Chinese porcelain arguably reached its zenith during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng (1723-35) when innovations in opaque coloured enamelling were accompanied by a range of sometimes vibrant monochromatic glaze colours. However, beauty was also found in the marvel that was pure undecorated translucent white porcelain. This imperial teabowl for sale at Sworders on May 17, carries only a six character Yongzheng mark in blue to base. According to an old label, it was purchased in China in the 1980s for 240 Yuan. The estimate for Friday’s sale is £6000-8000 with this rare piece already generating plenty of interest during our London and Stansted viewing.
For more information about the sale contact Yexue Li - yexueli@sworder.co.uk
Recent News
Katharine Coleman MBE | The Art of Engraving
In anticipation of our upcoming auction 'The Glass Sale', we shine a spotlight on one of Britain’s most accomplished contemporary glass engravers, Katharine Coleman MBE.
20 March 2026
Spot the Difference | East or West?
Imagine holding a beautifully painted porcelain dish in your hands. The colours, the delicate brushwork, the elegant form - all suggest it must be Chinese. But what if it wasn’t? What if this seemingly Chinese porcelain dish was actually made in nineteenth-century France?
18 March 2026
Seven Courses for Her Majesty
This remarkable survivor is featured as a highlight in our forthcoming Books, Manuscripts and Maps timed auction, running from Friday 24 April to Monday 4 May, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire an evocative piece of early Victorian court history.
12 March 2026