A 'LONGQUAN' CARVED CELADON-GLAZED MEIPING MING DYNASTY, LATE 14TH/EARLY 15TH CENTURY

the baluster body rising from a short spreading foot to a broad shoulder and short narrow tapering neck, carved around the exterior with prunus and bamboo below a ruyi collar, covered overall with a thick olive-green glaze, the footring unglazed and burnt orange in the firing 

The vase is in very good condition with the exception of some minor glaze scratches around the exterior. It should be noted that the celadon glaze is of a slightly darker olive tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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 vase belongs to a group of high quality Longquan celadon wares produced in the late 14th century/early 15th century, and which are decorated with carved designs that may be compared with underglaze-blue decoration of the period. During the early Ming dynasty, the Longquan kilns seem to have worked in close cooperation with the imperial porcelain kilns at Jingdezhen. They were making wares of similar form, decoration and quality, perhaps under imperial instructions.

The design and composition on this vase is very well rendered, with bold and freely carved strokes, which is rarely seen on vases of this type. Compare a similar vase sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th April 2006, lot 733. See also an undecorated Longquan celadon vase with fine quality glaze, as seen on this vase, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 1st November 1994, lot 18.