宋 黑釉鐵銹鳥紋罐

of compressed baluster shape, the wide mouth surmounted by a short tapering neck, applied overall with a rich and glossy black glaze accented with two russet-colored birds in flight, the glaze stopping at the foot to reveal the buff body

譚旦冏，《中國陶瓷史》，下卷，台北，1985年，頁492

The jar is in overall good condition. There is overall wear and scratches to the body.
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.

See two related black-glazed jars, one of almost identical size, illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, London, vol. 3, 2006, no. 1517; and another in the Victoria and Albert Museum, of larger size, illustrated in Nigel Wood, Chinese Glazes, London, 1999, p. 145, where the author discusses the possibility that the designs were painted beneath the glaze with an iron-rich slip, unlike the russet glazes that were 'splashed', which was the preferred technique with northern blackware.