A LARGE 'LONGQUAN' CELADON 'LOTUS' DISH MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

the robustly-potted body with rounded sides rising from a short tapering foot to a broad everted rim, freely carved to the interior with a large lotus medallion and encircled at the rim with classic scroll, covered overall with a rich even olive-green glaze, the base with an unglazed ring burnt orange in the firing

This large dish is in excellent condition with the exception of two glaze pulls beneath the rim and some around the foot, and very minor glaze imperfections including a small blister below the rim, an iron-spot to the interior medallion, scattered minute burst bubbles and light glaze scratches.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The thickly applied jade-like glaze of the 'Longquan' wares has been much admired and sought after since the fifth and sixth centuries in China. However, vessels of this magnificent large size and incised decoration, began to be made later, from the late Yuan and early Ming dynasty onwards, which signified a change in the decorative direction of 'Longquan' wares due to new foreign influences and increased export demand for wares of this type. 'Longquan' wares were exported to the Middle East and became essential vessels used in the large communal banquets held by royalty, such as the Ottoman Sultanet in Istanbul. For example see related large dishes with everted rims and incised flower motif in the centre, in the collection of the Topkapi Saray Museum, Istanbul, illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, vol. 1, London, 1986, pls. 429-436.

Compare also a dish in the Ningpo City Museum included in Celadons from Longquan Kilns, Taipei, 1998, pl. 207; one from the collection of J.C. Thomson, sold in these rooms, 15th June 1982, lot 86; and another, from the Edward T. Chow collection, also sold in these rooms, 7th June 1994, lot 324.