A Chinese blue and white openwork porcelain ‘Devil’s Work’ bowl, Chongzhen period (1627-1644)

Amidst the bustling marketplaces of 17th-century China, during the Chongzhen period, there emerged an extraordinary openwork Linglong “Devil’s Work” bowl.

Legend spoke of a skilled artisan who dared to challenge the boundaries of artistry, crafting a bowl with such intricate openwork patterns that it was deemed the “Devil’s Work.” Each delicate cut and curve in the porcelain seemed to defy human capability.

The bowl’s blue and white decorations depicted scenes of tranquil landscapes, with mountains stretching into the distance and rivers winding through lush valleys. The intricacy of the openwork allowed light to dance through the bowl, casting enchanting shadows that seemed to shift with every glance.

Through the centuries, the bowl exchanged hands among collectors and connoisseurs, each new owner drawn to its captivating beauty and storied history.