A PINK-GROUND DOUBLE-GOURD 'DA JI' WALL PLAQUE Qianlong/Jiaqing periodPROPERTY OF ANOTHER OWNERA PINK-GROUND DOUBLE-GOURD 'DA JI' WALL PLAQUEQianlong/Jiaqing periodMolded as a flattened double-gourd vase tied at the waist with a ribbon and positioned atop an imitation stand, the center of each bulb with a circular reserve enclosing 'Da' and 'Ji', respectively, the characters painted in gilt within iron-red borders, surrounded by swirls of clouds in enameled in white, blue, and fuchsia against an even peony-pink ground, framed on the sides by a turquoise-enameled ribbon molded with naturalistic folds accented by black lines, a molded gilt bat alighting on the rim with wings spread, the integral stand molded and enameled to imitate carved wood, the biscuit reverse with a carved recession for suspension. 13 1/2in (34.3cm) highProvenance:Sara Fredericks (1903-1986), likely acquired in the 1960s in New York, thence by descentThe present double-gourd 'Da Ji' ('great auspiciousness') wall plaque has the same design as other Qianlong and Jiaqing period wall plaques, including distinctive modeling of the ribbons, stand, and bat, yet appears to be unique in its pink ground and cloud pattern. Moreover, the enamels exhibit the hallmarks of high Qing dynasty famille-rose craftsmanship with their even, well-blended tones, lustrous finish, and highly controlled brushwork. The most typical plaques of this type bear an iron-red ground patterned with gilt fretwork and blue bats. Examples include one from the Sir Quo-Wei Lee Collection attributed to the Qianlong period sold at Sotheby's, Hong Kong, 2 October 2018, lot 146; another, attributed to the Qianlong - Jiaqing period, sold in the same rooms, 11 July 2020, lot 3652; and a pair attributed to the Jiaqing period sold at Sotheby's, London, 10 November 2010, lot 317. A related plaque, but with a white ground patterned with iron-red fretwork and gilt bats, attributed to the 18th century, sold at sold at Christie's, Hong Kong, 30th October 2001, lot 743, and later at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 4th April 2012, lot 3189. See also a similar 'Da Ji' hanging vase in the Shanghai Museum, illustrated in Selected Ceramics from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Hu, Shanghai, 1989, pl. 70.Sara Fredericks (1903-1986) was a socialite and premier retailer who specialized in luxury women's apparel. She was friends with top fashion designers including James Galanos, Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, and Hubert de Givenchy, and her company, Sara Fredericks Salon Shops, carried clothes by these designers as well as by Chanel, Chloe, and other iconic brands. The company had locations in Miami, Palm Beach, Sarasota, New York City, and Boston.