A FINELY CARVED 'QINGBAI' WASHER SONG DYNASTY

of cylindrical form with metal-bound rim, the shallow rounded sides rising from a slightly concave base, freely carved to the interior with two geese in flight, each bird holding a spray of millet in its beak, covered inside and out with a lightly crackled translucent glaze of ice-blue tone

Collection of A. Chester Beatty, Esq.
Sotheby's London, 23rd October 1953, lot 4.

There is a fine 3/8 in. hair crack running down from the rim. The metal rim has a dry appearance and sits high on the rim leaving an unglazed orange colored area of rim exposed most noticeable on the interior. The crazing in the glaze on the exterior and underside is discolored in patches to a light brownish color. There are two small firing tears on the interior base which the glaze has filled to a slightly darker color, which are visible in the catalogue illustration on the head and extending from the beak of one bird.
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.

Geese are considered symbols of marital harmony because the birds were believed to mate for life. Strands of grain (sui) may be a pun for 'years', thus the depiction may symbolize a good wish for marital harmony and long life.