- 119
A LARGE BLUE AND WHITE BRUSHPOT (BITONG) TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, 17TH CENTURY
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
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Description
- porcelain
of waisted cylindrical form, painted in rich violet-blue tones with two pheasants and a smaller bird amid flowering chrysanthemums and peonies issuing from rockwork, all between double lines around the rim and base
Provenance
Charlotte Horstmann & Gerald Godfrey Ltd., Hong Kong, January 1985.
Condition
There is fritting, one small chip and burst air bubbles to the rim edge. There are scattered minor burst air bubbles and iron spots to the interior and exterior. There are light scratches to the surface. Otherwise, in overall 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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Brushpots are one of the implements of the scholar's desk and the present example embodies the fresh and unique forms that characterize early 17th century ceramics. With the late-Ming court suspending its commissions of porcelain production, the introduction of new patrons freed potters and painters to experiment with a wide range of styles beyond those previously prescribed by the court. The present elegant waisted vessel is an example of a form that evolved during the Chongzhen reign (1628-1644).
Compare a slightly smaller vessel of related form sold at Christie's New York, 18th September 2003, lot 300; and another sold in our London rooms, 10th November 1964, lot 92. Vessels of this form but with different decoration are also known, for example see one painted with figures in a landscape, in the collection of Mrs. Eugene L. Garbaty, included in the exhibition Chinese Ceramics of the Transitional Period: 1620-1683, China House Gallery, New York, 1984, cat. no. 20; and another with flowering plants, sold in our London rooms, 11th May 1993, lot 1.
Compare a slightly smaller vessel of related form sold at Christie's New York, 18th September 2003, lot 300; and another sold in our London rooms, 10th November 1964, lot 92. Vessels of this form but with different decoration are also known, for example see one painted with figures in a landscape, in the collection of Mrs. Eugene L. Garbaty, included in the exhibition Chinese Ceramics of the Transitional Period: 1620-1683, China House Gallery, New York, 1984, cat. no. 20; and another with flowering plants, sold in our London rooms, 11th May 1993, lot 1.