A RARE YUEYAO CELADON EWER AND COVER FIVE DYNASTIES/SONG DYNASTY

the rounded lobed sides rising from a short slightly spreading foot to a straight neck with an applied ear-shaped strap handle, opposite an elegant outward turned spout, the body delicately incised to each side with a design of two cranes below trailing clouds, with a band of scrolling foliage at the shoulder, the domed cover incised with ruyi, below a bud-shape finial

Hirano Kotoken, Tokyo, 1990 (by repute).

The tip of the spout (approx. 1.4 by 0.8 cm) and the top (approx. 1 by 0.5 cm) and bottom (approx. 2 by 1.5 cm) of the handle has been restored as has an area approx. 2cm wide around the rim of the cover.
"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."

This charming piece is striking for its elegant lobed form and freely carved motif of cranes and clouds. It belongs to a group of finely potted vessels covered in a glossy olive-green glaze, that were made in the region formerly known as Yuzhou in Zhejiang province, during the Five Dynasties period. Yue wares of this type have been unearthed in temples and at royal tombs together with other treasured objects in silver, precious stone and glass, denoting their importance. 

 

A ewer and cover of this lobed form but incised with figures, unearthed in the west of Beijing, is illustrated in Zhongguo taoci quanji. Tang Wudai [The complete works of Chinese ceramics. Tang and Five dynasties], vol. 6, 2000 pl. 153, together with two further examples, the first incised with floral medallions, and the second undecorated and lacking the cover, pls 147 and 164 respectively. See also another globular ewer incised with floral medallions included in the exhibition Early Chinese Ceramics. An American Private Collection, J.J. Lally & Co. Oriental Art, New York, 2005, cat. no. 47.