明萬曆 青花海水雲龍紋罐 《大明萬曆年製》款

of barrel shape, vividly painted around the exterior in bright tones of cobalt with four five-clawed dragons striding amongst clouds above a wavy sea, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within a double-circle enclosed in a recessed medallion, wood stand and japanese lacquer cover and box

日本私人收藏

It is in overall good condition with a small shallow flake of approx. 0.6 cm to the inner mouthrim and some wear to the glaze on the interior. There are also a few light surface scratches and typical firing imperfections.
"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."

可比較一相似罐例，尺寸較之略大且附原蓋，售於香港蘇富比1974年10月31日，編號83。上海博物館存一五彩罐例，圖載於《中國陶瓷全集·明》，卷13，上海，1999年，圖版120。另見兩五彩瑞獸紋鼓式蓋罐例，造型與本品無異，均售於香港蘇富比，其一為 Iver Munthe Daae 雅蓄，售於1994年11月1日，編號54，其二售於2016年10月5日，編號110。再比一較小鼓式龍紋蟋蟀罐例，底部飾花瓣紋一周及矮足，藏於北京故宮博物院，錄於《故宮博物院藏文物珍品全集：青花釉裏紅（中）》，上海，2000年，圖版155。

此類鼓式罐究竟作何通途尚未有定論；也許為萬曆帝鬥蟋蟀之蟋蟀罐，亦可能為御用儲棋子之圍棋罐。據本品之尺寸，若用以儲棋子則略大，或較宜於蟋蟀相鬥之用。