A RARE 'ANHUA' DECORATED WHITE-GLAZED EWER MING DYNASTY, YONGLE PERIOD

the generous pear-shaped body supported on a short splayed foot, incised with a large continuous lotus flower scroll below an upright ruyi-head border, all beneath the flared mouthrim encircled by a meandering floral scroll, the tapering spout linked to the neck by a scrolling cloud-form strut further incised with a smaller floral scroll, the elegantly arched handle decorated with a leafy undulating scroll, surmounted with a small circular loop for attachment, the top and base of the handle mounted with silver brackets inlaid with ruby and white glass beads

There are two stabilized cracks (presumably repaired breaks) running horizontally across the handle. Additionally, there are metal pins drilled through the base and top of the handle through the body, which are visible on the interior. There is one at the top of the handle and two through the base of the handle. These repairs are concealed by the later metal mounts. The mounts are set with paste stones several of which are now missing. The mounts are cut back where they meet the body and appear to have once been more extensive. There is a fine hair crack where the strut joins the body of the vase. There is a very shallow 1/8 in. chip to the underside of the spout. There is some typical shallow chipping to the underside of the foot rim. The vase is otherwise in very good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.