A LARGE BLUE AND WHITE 'BOYS' DISH MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

painted on the interior with a scene of a class conducted on a terrace, defined by a balustrade and water in the foreground and another balustrade and a stylised pine tree and clouds in the background, the teacher seated in front of a screen bearing a design of stylised waves and the rising sun, listening to one boy reciting, other boys studying at a side table, playing with inkstones and a ruler, and one peering from behind the screen, the cavetto painted with a continuous scene of a pond with lotus, reeds and aquatic birds, the exterior decorated with a tracery of interwined ruyi lappets

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 28th November 1979, lot 119.

In the one o'clock position there is a 4 cm original body crack that has been filled in with slip and covered over with glaze. There is some light fritting along the rim and a few minor kiln grits and pinholes along the interior. Near the body crack, there is a 2 mm glaze pull that has fired orange. On the underside, there are three short firing cracks that do not affect the interior.
"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 closely related dish in the Sir Percival David collection, now in the British Museum, London, was included in the exhibition, Elegant Form and Harmonious Decoration. Four Dynasties of Jingdezhen Porcelain, Percival David Foundation, London, 1992, cat. no. 91.

The imagery of children occupied in studies is symbolic of the Confucian ideal for the education and advancement of many sons.