A 'Ding'-type White-Glazed bowl Tang Dynasty

of nearly solid 'Samarra-type' foot with a shallow ring, the sides splayed wide and culminating in a rounded mouthrim, the interior with a natural fern effect in delicate shades of gray-blue issuing from the rim, applied overall with an even ivory glaze forming characteristic 'tear streaks' along the exterior

The bowl is in good overall condition with expected and minor surface scratches to the glaze. The footrim is very smooth, almost chalky, with three shallow chips, the largest 1/4 inch long. The glaze is even and lustrous. The rim is very slightly warped.
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 bowl is unusual for the fern decoration found in its interior. White-glazed Tang bowls of this type, which are generally undecorated, were first excavated in the Samarra area in 1911. The Samarra finds are datable to A.D. 838-885. See a bowl illustrated in Fan Dongqing, 'Early Wares in the Shanghai Museum', Orientations, February 1991, figs. 1-4; and another from the Lindberg collection was sold in our London rooms, 12th December 1978, lot 108.