A Rare Early Neolithic painted pottery bowl Miaodigou culture

of cylindrical form, the sides rising straight to the everted rim from a sharply tapered foot, the exterior boldly painted on two registers of a repeated motif depicting a pair of thick black abstract waves enclosing a red dot, with further red dots along the lower edge of the design

Acquired by the present owner in the early 1980s.

The overall condition is very good with only a few expected breaks and re-stuck large pieces. The condition is commensurate with age and burial.
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.

The present vessel is a rare example of painted pottery from the Miaodigou culture of the Neolithic period. Few examples appear to have survived. Three examples of this characteristic shape, with everted rim and strongly accentuated profile, are illustrated in Zhongguo taoci quanji, vol. 1, Shanghai, 2000, pls. 33, 34 and 36, all of them, however, painted in black only.