A PAIR OF CLAIR-DE-LUNE GLAZED SAUCER DISHES YONGZHENG MARKS AND PERIOD

each with shallow rounded sides rising from a slightly tapering foot to a flaring rim, covered overall with a pale lavender-blue glaze thinning to a paler tone at the rim, the base left white and inscribed with a six-character Yongzheng mark within a double square

Collection of the Hon. Mrs Basil Ionides.

John Sparks Ltd., London, 1949.

One dish has a 1cm hairline also visible from the exterior running down one side of the rim. There is a burst glaze bubble on the rim, and further two burst glaze bubbles in the well with several minute iron spots. The exterior has a burst glaze bubble at the rim, further iron spots, tiny scratches (measuring circa 0.1cm) and a 0.2 x 0.1cm spot with kiln grit. The other dish has a burst glaze bubble in the inner well where the glaze pulls and several iron spots, the exterior has one burst glaze bubble with further iron spots. The rim has a minute chip (0.2 x 0.1cm) to the exterior. There are two 0.5cm areas and a spot at the base of the dish just above the footring where the glaze pulls. The base has two further burst glaze bubbles.
"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 pair of closely related dishes, catalogued as covered in a 'pale cobalt-blue glaze', from the Sir Percival David Foundation and now in the British Museum, London, is published in Margaret Medley, Illustrated Catalogue of Ming and Ch'ing Monochrome, London, 1973, nos B560 and 561; a pair from the E.T. Hall collection was sold at Christie's London, 7^th June 2004, lot 273; and another pair was sold at Christie's New York, 24^th March 2004, lot 244. A slightly smaller dish, but of lighter tone and with a six character reign mark within double circles, from the Warrington-Strong collection, was sold in these rooms, 27^th November 1973, lot 383.