AN IMPERIAL YELLOW BOWL MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

the gently rounded sides rising from a short straight foot to a flaring rim, covered overall in a rich egg-yolk yellow glaze, the base glazed white with a six-character reign mark within a double circle in underglaze blue, Japanese wood box

Christie's Hong Kong, 30th May 2005, Lot 1461.

There are some surface scratches to the glaze covering the reign mark on the base, some firing imperfections and glaze gaps on the outside and a few iron spots on the interior, but otherwise the bowl is in very good condition. The actual colour is quite close 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 slightly larger yellow-glazed bowl with a Wanli reign mark and of the period is in the Percival David Foundation included in the Illustrated Catalogue of Ming and Qing Monochrome Wares, Section 6, London, 1989, cat. no. 543. See also a bowl from the W.A. Evill collection and included in the exhibition Monochrome Porcelains, Oriental Ceramic Society, London, 1948, cat. no. 182, sold in our London rooms, 30th November 1965, lot 53.