A Rare Blue and White Basin 17th Century

the deep straight sides rising from a slightly sunken base, painted to the interior with the Tang scholar Li Bai reciting from a book before an audience of dignitaries in a court setting, the top left of the curtains with an inscription reading Li Taibo niansong fanshu (Li Taibo reciting foreign books)

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 28th November 1979, lot 138.

Transitional Wares and Their Forerunners, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1981, cat. no. 86.
Chinese Ceramics of the Transitional Period (circa 1620-1680 A.D.) from the Collection of Mr & Mrs Peter Thompson, Hull University, Hull, 1985, cat. no. 90.

Rim polished, otherwise in good general condition; glaze frits to foot ring; a vertical series of five small pin pricks to glaze to right of narrative scene; further small pierced pin pricks and glaze pulls elsewhere.
"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."