Tabouret en porcelaine bleu blanc Chine, dynastie Ming, XVIE siècle

en forme de tonnelet, deux masques de lions en relief formant les anses, le registre principal à décor de paons et pivoines dans un paysage rocailleux, encadré par deux bandes de rivets en relief, l'assise à décor de grues en vol dans un ciel nuageux autour d'une rosace centrale percée

This seat is in very good condition with the exception of small glaze flakes to the extremities, such as the masks and raised rivets; overall burst and unburst glaze bubbles; expecting glaze impurities, and overall scratches to the surface. Please note that the colour of the body is of a slightly greyer tone than illustrated in the catalogue.
"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."

A related seat, in the Shanghai Museum, is illustrated in Wang Qingzheng, Underglaze Blue and Red, Hong Kong 1993, p. 231, fig. 5, and was included in the exhibition A l'Ombre des Pins, Chefs d'Oeuvre d'Art Chinois du Musée de Shanghai, Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, Geneva 2004, cat. no. 120.