A 'JUN'-TYPE FLOWER POT EARLY MING DYNASTY

of hexagonal section, the straight sides flaring steeply to an everted rim, all supported on a stepped base with six short feet, covered overall with a rich and mottled lavender-blue glaze thinning to pale olive green at the angles, the base pierced with five small circular apertures and incised with the Chinese character shi (ten), with silver-inlaid wood stand

The flowerpot is in very good condition with the exception of a circa 4cm hairline running over the rim at one side corner, a 0.3 x 0.1cm glaze chip on one side, another 0.1 x 0.1cm glaze chip under the everted rim, a 0.3 x 0.3cm iron spot to the interior just under the rim and various burst glaze bubbles across the surface. The wood stand in excellent condition with the exception of minor loose areas of the silver wire.
"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 slightly larger flowerpot of this form and glaze, but inscribed with the Chinese character 'eight' on the base, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Porcelain of the Song Dynasty (I), Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 22; and another of larger dimensions, included in the Japan Society Exhibition of Japanese, Corean, Chinese Pottery,  Knoedler Galleries, New York, 1914, cat. no. 295, was sold at Christie's New York, 23^rd June 1982, lot 51.