A FINE GILT-BRONZE PETAL-SHAPED STEMCUP TANG DYNASTY

the deep rounded bowl repouse-decorated with two rows of eight petals below the everted rim, each petal of the upper row finely chased with birds and floral strapwork divided by further floral strapwork in the spandrels, the lower row with floral strapwork, all supported on a high spreading knopped foot similarly decorated

Chinese Ceramic Treasures. A Selection from the Ulricehamn East Asian Museum, Including the Carl Kempe Collection, Ulricehamn, 2002, pl. 1116.

In good overall condition, inspected under UV light which revealed no fluorescence. Malachite encrustation surrounding the upper section of the foot underneath the cup, which is likely covering the joining of the cup and foot, the latter of which is likely a later replacement. Some encrustation on the spreading foot, underneath the foot, and in some of the crevices on the under-section of the cup. The interior with malachite encrustation and some wear to the gilding, especially on the raised areas, along with minor surface 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."

See a closely related stemcup, formerly in the collection of Sen. Hugh Scott and now in the Museum Rietberg, Zurich, illustrated in Pierre Uldry, Chinesisches Gold und Silber. Die Sammlung Pierre Uldry, Zurich, 1994, pl. 135; and another included in The International Exhibition of Chinese Art, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935, cat. no. 766, sold in our New York rooms, 4^th June 1985, lot 34. Compare cups of this form and similarly engraved decoration, but with a splayed chrysanthemum flower-shaped foot; such as one sold in our New York rooms, 5^th May 1972, lot 444A, and again, 2^nd June 1977, lot 352; a silver version, from the Carl Kempe collection, sold in these rooms 14^th May 2008, lot 71; another from the collections of David-Weill and Arthur M. Sackler, sold in these rooms, 29^th February 1972, lot 168; and a third silver cup in the Shaanxi History Museum, published in Zhongguo qingtong jinyin qi dingji tudian, Hong Kong, 2007, p. 268, pl. 36.