A MASSIVE BLUE & WHITE 'PHOENIX' VASE MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

robustly potted with broad high shoulders curving to a waisted neck with lipped rim, the body painted with a wide band enclosing a pair of phoenix, both with outstretched wings flying amongst wispy ruyi-shaped clouds, between rows of pendant and upright leaf lappets, the shoulders inscribed six-character mark in underglaze-blue

Christie's Hong Kong, 1st October 1991, lot 761.
Sotheby's London, 12th July 2006, lot 72.

The vase has restoration to a hairline body crack running in an oval shape from the shoulder down the body to the foot (measuring at its widest 45 x 35cm.); a seven-pointed star crack extending across the base; a narrow line of intermittent glaze pulls encircling the foot; and several minor glaze firing imperfections and light glaze scratches around the body. However, the decoration is boldly painted and the cobalt is very strong throughout.
"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."