A RARE SILVER-MOUNTED BLUE AND WHITE EWER MING DYNASTY, WANLI PERIOD

the body of pear shape rising from a short spreading foot to a tall cylindrical flaring neck, set to one side with a long elegant S-shaped spout joined to the body with a scroll strut and terminating in a silver mount, painted around the exterior in rich cobalt-blue tones with Bhuddist Emblems, fans and flowers between lotus-lappet bands, the silver handle, neck and cover chased with floral strapwork

The ewer has a replacement silver handle, top section of the neck and tip of the spout; there is overpainting and restoration to approximately two thirds of the remaining visible spout and restoration and over-painting to the strut; a short firing line around the base of the spout; fritting around the base and middle of the spreading foot; glaze scratches, minor burst glaze bubbles, and several blisters and glaze firing imperfections around the body; otherwise this rare ewer is in good overall condition, the cobalt-blue being stronger 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."