A MASSIVE LONGQUAN CELADON VASE YUAN DYNASTY

robustly potted, the tapering ovoid body rising from a waisted circular foot to a trumpet neck, the decoration deftly incised in two registers split by a central fillet raised along the luting line, the lower section with scrolling composite flowers above a broad ribbed band skirting the waist, a large lotus scroll draping the shoulders, surmounted by plantain leaves collaring the neck and four concentric circles in relief under the everted rim, applied overall except for the footrim with a glossy deep green glaze, the recessed base with a glazed domed centre

There are a few secured fring cracks on the luting line around the belly with a clear resin, some glaze crackles on the lower part of the body and minor chips to the foot, otherwise in good condition. The actual colour is a deeper green compared to the catalogue illustration.
"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, inscribed and dated to 1454, from the collection of Sir Percival David and now in the British Museum, London, is published in Margaret Medley, Illustrated Catalogue of Celadon Wares in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, London, 1997, pl. 238. Slightly smaller examples include one from the Carl Kempe collection and now in the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, published in Oriental Ceramics. The World's Great Collections, vol. 8, Tokyo, 1982, pl. 188; another sold in these rooms, 27th October 1992, lot 25; and a third sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 23rd March 1993, lot 724. Vases of this type, but carved with a chrysanthemum scroll on the shoulder, include one included in the exhibition Gems of Chinese Art. Selections of Chinese Ceramics and Bronzes from the Tsui Art Foundation, The Empress Palace Museum, Singapore, 1992, cat. no. 68, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27th May 2008, lot 1842; and another sold in these rooms, 29th November 1976, lot 445.