A LARGE MOLDED 'DING' 'TWIN FISH' DISH NORTHERN SONG / JIN DYNASTY

of wide curved sides, molded to the interior with a central keyfret medallion enclosing two scaly fish swimming among lotus, the cavetto molded with two striding dragons amidst bountiful peony blooms, all below a larger keyfret border, applied overall with an ivory glaze pooling in characteristic tear-drops on the exterior, the rim bound in a metal mount

Overall good condition. Warped. The glaze has run unevenly underneath, and on the upper surface has multiple pulls in the area where the foot joins underneath. There is also wear to the raised areas of the decoration. The color is slightly more ivory than in the photo. The metal rim may have been added later. There are three 1/8 inch losses to the glaze (probably burst air bubbles).
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.

Ding dishes featuring a pair of fish molded in the central medallion with a keyfret border around the rim are not unusual, but the present dish is rare for its large size. Dishes in this design typically measure approximately 6 1/2 inches diameter, such as the ones illustrated in Jan Wirgin, 'Sung Ceramic Designs', The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities (Ostasiatiska Museet), Bulletin No. 72, Stockholm, 1970, pls 89a, 91a and 91b. One of comparable size in the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., but lacking the keyfret border is illustrated in op.cit., pl. 79b; and another was sold at Christie's New York, 19th September 2007, lot 249.