A rare and large 'Xing' 'pouch' flask Northern Song Dynasty

well potted and modelled after a leather prototype, the globular body with sumptuously rounded sides rising from the flattened base to the tapered top, applied on each side with a deep U-shaped flange suggesting seams, with a further vertical flange to the back of the arched handle, repeated below the short upright spout, covered overall in a white glaze pooling in the recesses to a pale green, the unglazed foot revealing the white body

This is in good overall condition. There is some kiln grit around the spout and concentrated grit to the immediate interior. The flange to the left of the spout has some minor nibbles. The glaze ends unevenly at the bottom where there are also traces of kiln grit. The shoulder has one 1/2 inch firing crack.
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 'Xing' kilns in Lincheng and Neiqiu counties of Hebei province were probably the most successful producers of white wares in terms of the material used, potting, glazing and firing of pieces during the Tang dynasty. 'Xing' wares were likened to silver by the contemporary elite.  According to Regina Krahl in 'Bright as Silver, White as Snow - White Wares of North and South China', Bright as Silver, White as Snow, Hong Kong, 1998, p. 15, from the mid-Tang period the quality of wares produced at the 'Xing' kilns increased substantially, with the body becoming more porcellaneous, the glaze very smooth with a distinct blue tinge.

A 'Xing' flask of very similar form is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Porcelain of the Jin and Tang Dynasties, Shanghai, 1996, pl. 88.  See also a green-glazed flask of related shape, unearthed in 1985 at Sanmenxia City, Henan Province, included in the exhibition The Silk Road. Treasures from the Tang Dynasty, The Empress Palace, Singapore, 1991, p. 111, bottom.  See also a similar flask sold in these rooms, 21st September 2006, lot 89.

The shape of these flasks is after leather flasks which were used during hunting or taken on travels and were usually tied to the horse.  Similar flasks were also made during the Liao (907-1125) and Jin (1115-1234) dynasties.

The dating of this lot is consistent with the results of a thermoluminescence test, Oxford Authentication Ltd., no. P206a77.