A FINE LARGE BLUE AND WHITE 'CARP' BOWL MARK AND PERIOD OF JIAJING

well potted with deep rounded sides rising from a short foot to a everted rim, freely painted in vivid cobalt-blue on the exterior with four carp frolicking in a lotus pond, depicted in various poses swimming amidst water weeds and lotus, all above a band of ruyi-head border and below double-lines borders at the rim, the interior with a double-border circular medallion decorated with another carp and lotus, the base inscribed with the six-character mark within a double circle

There are several pieces of kiln grit on the interior of the bowl original from the firing and typical for wares of this type. There is a shallow 2 mm flake on the rim and tiny burst air bubbles on the body. The interior also has a 3 mm iron spot. The overall condition is very good for the ware of this type, particularly its superb potting and exquisite vivid cobalt blue painting.
"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."

Two closely related examples, of slightly larger proportions, were sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28^th November 2005, lot 1424, and the other, 19^th March 1991, lot 530. For a slightly smaller Wanli bowl of this form and decoration, but the interior rim decorated with a dragon and phoenix pursuing a flaming pearl, and a dragon medallion to the centre, see one sold in these rooms, 26^th October 2003, lot 122.

A small Jiajing bowl of this form and similar design was sold in these rooms, 21^st May 1984, lot 47; and another, but with rounded sides and a variation of the decorative scheme, was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27^th November 2007, lot 1744.

'Fish and waterweed' designs were first employed as early as 1350 during the Yuan dynasty on blue and white dishes; for example see one illustrated in Margaret Medley, Yuan Porcelain and Stoneware, London, 1974, pp. 37-45; and a 'Guan' jar sold at Christie's London, 8^th June 1987, lot 160.