A LARGE MOULDED 'LONGQUAN' CELADON VASE MING DYNASTY, 16th CENTURY

the robustly-potted baluster body decorated with peony blossoms borne on undulating stems with trefoil leaves, all above a layer of pointed upright lappets and below a meandering leafy scroll enclosing lotus flowers, the tall trumpet neck rising from a groove on the shoulders and carved with two peony sprays enclosed in shaped panels reserved against a ground of further floral sprays and leafy tendrils, all below a trellis border and above a foliate scroll divided by raised fillets, covered overall with an olive green glaze

The rim of the vase has a circa 17cm crack, which is also visible from the exterior, running vertically down the neck with a 2cm sub-crack running adjacent to it near the rim and other cracks (longest measuring circa 4.5cm) branching out from the main crack in the manner of a star crack. Another ten-point star crack is found near it, with the longest branch measuring 8cm. There are considerable glaze firing imperfections at the time of manufacture, including discoloured russet spots and patches on the body particularly to the shoulders and occasionally at the neck (the largest patch measures 3 x 1cm), which may have been resulted from impurities in the body. There are also firing cracks (longest measuring 4.5cm) on the peony flowers in relief on the body, an irregular (3.7 x 2cm) unglazed patch where the glaze pulls and a 2cm painted-over glaze chip at the shoulder. Minor surface scratchings and other glaze firing imperfections such as iron-spots, burst glaze bubbles and kiln grits are also visible.
"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."