A LARGE AND RARE BLUE AND WHITE DISH MING DYNASTY, WANLI PERIOD

the robustly-potted body with gently curved sides rising from a short straight foot, painted in inky-blue tones to the interior with a medallion enclosing a landscape of pagodas and rocky outcrops emerging from the sea, encircled at the rim by an undulating floral scroll, the exterior with large cranes in flight divided by ruyi-head cloud scrolls, the base unglazed

This large dish is in good overall condition with the exception of minor firing imperfections, including scattered adhered kiln grit to the glaze predominantly in the interior, iron spots, tiny glaze pulls and light glaze scratches. It should be noted that the cobalt-blue is of a stronger tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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."

For a very similar dish in the Ardebil Shrine, see John Pope, Chinese Porcelains from the Ardebil Shrine, Washington D. C., 1956, pl.93.