A white-glazed 'anhua'-decorated truncated moonflask (bianhu) Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period

the domed sides lightly incised on each side with an elaborate foliate medallion formed from eight projecting lappets linked to pendant ruyi-heads and divided by trefoil heads, radiating from a central circular medallion with eight smaller lappet blades, set on the shoulders with two arched strap handles with leaf-shaped terminals enclosing incised detached peony sprays joining the body to the truncated tapering neck, all supported on a low foot of oval section and covered with an even transparent glaze tinged with blue

Acquired by Dr. Willard J. Sutton, New York.

There are firing cracks where the strap handles are attached to the truncated neck rim, which has been ground down. A pinprick at the eleven o'clock position of the central circle medallion is visible on one side, and another pinprick can be found at the base of the neck. On the other side of the flask there is a 2 cm glaze crack at the one o'clock position of the central circle medallion near the edge of the flask, and a 2.25 cm crack extending from the rim down the center of the neck, causing slight discoloration. Otherwise the flask is in good condition overall.
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.

Compare a similar Yongle white-glazed moonflask, also decorated with an eight-pointed starburst, sold in these rooms, 21st September 2005, lot 63; and another in the Shanghai Museum, published in Zhongguo meishu quanji: Gongyi meishu bian, vol. 3, Shanghai, 1988, pl. 73.