A LARGE CARVED 'LONGQUAN' CELADON 'LOTUS' BOWL MING DYNASTY, 14TH CENTURY

the deep fluted sides rising from a tapering foot to a foliate rim, the exterior freely carved with nine lotus blooms rising from meandering leafy stems, the interior with a single lotus spray in the centre surrounded by further lotus blooms borne on undulating stems with trefoil leaves, covered overall with a pale celadon glaze with an unglazed ring at the base revealing the buff-coloured body

Christie's London, 5th December 1994, lot 177.

The bowl has a 0.5cm orange firing crack just below the foliate rim and glaze firing imperfections both to the interior and exterior, such as burst glaze bubbles, iron spots etc. There are minor surface scratchings, particularly to the interior. The foot has a 0.1 x 0.1 burst glaze bubble and is flaked at places showing the buff-coloured body underneath. There are short firing cracks with the longest measuring circa 1cm.
"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."