A Yellow-Glazed 'Pouch' Flask Liao Dynasty

of elongated 'pouch' form, applied with a golden-yellow glaze stopping before the flared foot and recessed convex base, revealing the buff stoneware, the vertical spout of cylindrical form with everted rim, fused at the body with a raised ring, adjoined by a semi-circular handle pinched seven times

The top section of the handle and the spout are restored to the body, with the handle broken in three sections and repaired. There is a small chip to the interior of the foot ring. A firing crack between the spout and the handle, and another at the bottom of the spout. In good condition.
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.

Liao dynasty flasks, or saddle gourds, duplicate in ceramic a sheepskin pouch indigenous to nomadic culture. Two similarly elongated flasks of comparable color are illustrated in The Complete Works of Chinese Ceramics, vol. 9, Shanghai, 1999-2000, pls. 63 and 85. Another work of the same shape, but with mottled green glaze, is illustrated in Yutaka Mino, Ceramics in the Liao Dynasty: North and South of the Great Wall, New York, 1973, pl. 16.