A RARE FAHUA RETICULATED MEIPING MING DYNASTY, LATE 15TH / EARLY 16TH CENTURY

the pierced body glazed in aubergine, turquoise and ivory reserved against a deep blue ground, depicting a sage standing beside the porch of a pavilion emerging from billowing clouds, the figure looking back to a pine tree and an attendant carrying a qin, all above a band of stylised lotus lappets, the shoulder encircled with four large leafy peony blossoms

The meiping is restored at the neck and rim; there are two (one 0.5 x 0.2cm and another 0.3 x 0.2cm) losses along the rim and minor nibbling. Minor glaze chips are found across the body and the surface of the design, and noticably in several (circa 0.5 to 1cm) areas along the base of the vase and the reticulated design revealing the bugg body underneath. There is a 0.3 x 0.2cm area of loss to one of the cloud scrolls and another 0.5 x 0.2cm loss to the blue clouds on the body of the vase.
"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 closely related example from the Franks collection and now in the British Museum, London, is published in Jessica Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, London, 2001, pl. 13:9.