A RARE SMALL BLUE-SPLASHED BOWL TANG DYNASTY

well potted with deep rounded sides rising to an everted rim, the cream ground splashed with a cobalt-blue glaze running in streaks towards the center on the interior and exterior, the concave foot left unglazed to reveal the buff ware

Acquired on the Hong Kong art market, early 1980s.
Offered at Sotheby's New York, 17th September 2003, lot 56.

The bowl is in good condition and showed no fluorescence when inspected under UV light. A 1 inch area from the rim and mostly to the interior has been repainted blue after the glaze chipped. The interior well with a 1/2 inch firing flaw exposing some of the body, minor kiln grit and with slight glaze degradation. Minor glaze chips on the body exterior, negligible, and a shallow small chip on the foot rim. Some textural bumpiness on the interior well could have been cause by a stablizing spray to maintain the glaze degradation. The exterior also appears to have been applied with a stablizing spray. Updated 4 March 2009
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.