a 'cizhou' sgraffiato brown-glazed globular vase Jin dynasty

the globular body finely carved down to the dramatically contrasting beige-colored body, with two registers of thick foliate scrolls bordered by paired lines, the stems issuing large leaves with rounded silhouettes, the lower section plain and encircled by parallel lines, the canted lip supported on the short neck, the foot rim left unglazed 

In good overall condition with very slight warpage to the mouth rim. There is an approximately 4 inch firing flaw on the top floral register, the same register with a 3/8 inch long glaze chip on a floral scroll. The body has three indented areas, all under the brown glaze and original to the firing. Approximately four small chips to the foot rim. Inspected under UV light.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present vase is a remarkable example of the complex sgraffiato technique with the design carved through the brown glaze to achieve this sharply contrasting effect. The design on this vase is closely comparable to that found on a slightly larger vessel of this type illustrated in Chinese Ceramics in the Idemitsu Collection, Tokyo, 1987, pl. 129. See also a vase of taller form with related carving sold in our London rooms, 14th November 2000, lot 14; and a vessel with a somewhat bolder flower design in the same sgraffiato technique sold in these rooms, 21st September 2006, lot 98.