A RARE BLUE AND WHITE DISH FOR THE PORTUGUESE MARKET MING DYNASTY, WANLI PERIOD, CIRCA 1590

the rounded sides rising from a short tapering foot to a widely flaring rim, painted in rich cobalt-blue tones to the interior with a medallion enclosing a pair of lions beneath large blossoming boughs, encircled in the well by peaches and insects and at the rim with a repeated pavillion and monastery design, the exterior with stylised foliage

The dish is in good condition with the exception of two hairline rim cracks (4.5 and 8.5cm. long at 2 and 7 o'clock), characteristic light fritting and chipping to the rim, minor firing imperfections and burst glaze bubbles to the interior and exterior; a 2.5cm. hairline horizontal firing imperfection in the well; and a slight warp to the body. It should be noted that the cobalt blue is of a slightly less magenta 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."

A very similar dish is illustrated in Du Tage a la Mer de Chine, Une Epopee Portugaise, Paris, 1992, pl. 41; and another was sold in these rooms, 8th November 2006, lot 39. A jar decorated with similar design, which also bears the double-headed eagle arms of the Augustinians, is included in Fundacao Oriente, The Porcelain Route, Lisbon, 1998, cat. no. 12. Oriente notes that the jar was probably ordered by the Augustinians for their monastery in Macao, which was founded in 1589.