AN EXTREMELY RARE BLUE AND WHITE DISH FOR THE PORTUGUESE MARKET MING DYNASTY, JIAJING PERIOD, CIRCA 1540-1550

the rounded sides rising from a straight foot, painted in underglaze cobalt-blue to the interior with a central medallion enclosing two Buddhist lions with beribboned brocade balls encircled by a trellis border at the rim, the exterior with IHS monogram medallions, the armillary sphere, and roundels enclosing a bird of prey perched on a branch surveying a hare, all divided by lingzhi cloud wisps

The dish has a circa 5cm crack running along one side of the interior, and another circa 4.5cm crack on the other side of the dish, both cracks are also visible from the exterior with associated flakes. There are two unglazed patches (one 1.5cm and the other 0.5cm) along the rim of the dish which appear burnt orange. The rim of the dish also has a circa 4cm loss with associated nibbling. A circa 0.5cm firing crack and several kiln grits are evident in the central medallion and along the footring of the dish. Other glaze firing imperfections include extensive burst glaze bubbles, iron spots and blurring of the underglaze blue decoration etc.
"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."