A WUCAI BOWL WANLI MARK AND PERIOD

the well-rounded sides rising from a short straight foot, the exterior colorfully painted with three boys bearing brocade-wrapped tributes, a fourth package carried on the back of a yellow pony and the whole procession led by a man carrying a coral branch, all beneath a stylized border of blue zigzag waves, green beads and red wavy lines, the interior with a medallion of a dragon and flaming pearl, six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle

Collection of James and Phyllis Rosati, acquired between 1947 -1949 when Mr. Rosati was stationed in post-war Japan.

There is shallow fritting around the upper rim edge and slight scratching to the enamels on the interior, as well as a group of small burst air bubbles in the glaze just below the rim.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A bowl of closely related design is illustrated and discussed in Jan Wirgin, 'Ming Wares from the Lauritzen Collection', Bulletin of the Museum of Far Asian Antiquities, Stockholm, 1965, p. 218, no. 38 and pl. 25, where the author suggests the subject matter may be of Buddhist origin. A similar bowl was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8th April 2011, lot 3205 and a bowl with decoration almost identical to the present example was sold at Christie's London, 15th December 1983, lot 387 and again in the same rooms on 12th July 2005, lot 158.