A CHINESE EXPORT 'FLAGELLATION' BOWL circa 1750

painted on the front with two women restraining a nearly naked man while two others hold or wield a switch and a fifth looks on from the partially open door, the reverse with a large and small floral spray, and the interior with a further floral spray below a gilt spearhead border around the rim.  Repaired.

Sold, Sotheby's, London, March 20, 1979, lot 129

Broken in 1/2-front to back and repaired, with a 3x5 inch triangular section repaired at one end, gilding very worn on interior rim edge, one side of the rim with a 1/8 inch chip on the exterior edge.
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.

This extraordinary bowl undoubtedly was privately commissioned, and is the only published example on Chinese export porcelain of the rare flagellation scene, for which a European print source has not yet been discovered.