A LARGE YELLOW-GROUND BLUE AND WHITE 'PEACH' DISH QIANLONG MARK AND OF THE PERIOD

the gently rounded sides rising from a short tapering foot to an everted rim, painted to the interior in rich cobalt-blue tones with a medallion enclosing a leafy gnarled peach tree bearing nine ripe fruit, the exterior with a continuous floral scroll and all reserved on a rich lemon-yellow ground

The dish is in very good condition with the exception of light glaze scratching, predominantly to the well and base; two minor flakes to the yellow enamel on the interior (circa 1mm. diam. each); and tiny burst glaze bubbles and enamel firing imperfections to the interior. It should be noted the yellow and blue are of a slightly brighter 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."

Smaller yellow-ground underglaze-blue dishes of this design can be found in important collections; see a dish in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Blue and White Ware of the Ch'ing Dynasty, Book II, Hong Kong, 1968, pl. 29; another in the Percival David Foundation included in Oriental Ceramics. The World's Great Collections, vol. 6, Tokyo, 1987, pl. 247; a pair, from the T.Y. Chao collection and included in the exhibition Ch'ing Porcelain from the Wah Kwong Collection, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1973, cat.no. 45, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 19th May 1987, lot 316; and another, from the Yokogawa collection, published in the Illustrated Catalogues of the Tokyo National Museum. Chinese Ceramics II, Tokyo, cat.no. 625.