AN INSCRIBED 'QINGBAI' BOX AND COVER SOUTHERN SONG DYNASTY

of circular form with ribbed rounded sides, the domed cover moulded with a large peony spray and covered overall in a transparent ice-blue glaze, save for the base which is moulded with a four-character inscription, 7.6cm., 3in; together with a very similar box and cover, delicately moulded to the top with florets 

Bo Gyllensvard, Chinese Ceramics in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1964, pl. 552 (peony box).

left on catalogue image: The cover with slight glaze degradation on the raised areas. A hairline crack from the rim up to the top, 2.8 cm on the exterior and 2.3 on the interior. Surface scratches to the top. The box also with some glaze degradation. A firing flaw from the rim down to the interior, approximately 2 cm long. right on catalogue image: Minor wear and glaze degradation to the raised areas of both cover and box. The cover with a rim chip 8 mm long. Two old adjacent chips on foot, the largest 9 mm. It is possible the boxes and covers are later associated, as they do not fit flush against each other, though the glazes and respective conditions match. The color of the glaze is not as pale as the catalogue image suggests.
"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 inscription may be translated as 'A box for the Tsai family'.