A QINGBAI STEMCUP AND STAND SONG DYNASTY

delicately-potted, the cup with deep rounded sides rising from a short spreading foot, the stand with a stepped, dished rim, centered by a raised tapering platform with galleried rim, all resting on a spreading pedestal foot, covered overall in a pale blue translucent glaze

The stand has an approx. 6mm., restored flake to the underside of the rim, the cup is 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The delicate potting and elegantl design of the present cup and stand were originally inspired by silver and gold prototypes. The porcelain versions were often preferred over the metal ones for tea drinking as the ceramic body retained the heat of the beverage and yet could be held without burning the hand. A similar cup and stand was excavated in 1965 in Nancheng, dated to 1057, and is illustrated in Dated Qingbai Wares of the Song and Yuan Dynasties, Hong Kong, 1998, p. 45, no. 13. Compare also a cup and stand in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London illustrated together with a similar stand in silver illustrated in Song Yun: Sichuan Yao Cang Wenwu Jicui (The Charm of Song: Cultural Artefacts from Hoards in Sichuan), Beijing, 2006, p. 135.