A RARE 'XING' 'LION'-HANDLED EWER FIVE DYNASTIES

well potted with a baluster body rising from a short splayed foot to a broad rounded shoulder, surmounted by a trumpet neck and flared rim, decorated to one side with a short gently tapering spout and to the other with a strap handle modelled in the form of a lion, the beast rendered clambering onto the inner rim and skilfully detailed with a striated mane and tail, covered overall with a translucent creamy-white glaze stopping short of the unglazed foot to reveal the white body

Galaxie Company, Hong Kong, 19th January 1989.

There is a diagonal firing line (5.3cm) to the interior of the neck, which is also faintly visible to the exterior. There are four small glaze chips to the rim and some minor firing flaws, otherwise the ewer 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."

White-glazed ewers of this type were made in north China, where the kilns specialised in high-fired white wares. Using kaolin-rich clays the potters were able to produce vessels for the home that blended in harmoniously with more expensive silver objects. A closely related white ware ewer with similar lion handle, formerly in the Eurmorfopoulos Collection, now preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, is illustrated by Stacey Pierson, Chinese Ceramics, London, 2009, pp. 19-18, no. 18.