A PAINTED 'CIZHOU' VASE (MEIPING) SONG DYNASTY OR LATER

of slender ovoid form, the gently rounded shoulder rising to a small neck with conical mouth, exquisitely decorated with a wide band of two freely painted reserves depicting the 'Three Friends' (sui han san you), one panel of two scholars conversing in a garden, the reverse with the third scholar standing by a pine tree entwined with bamboo and prunus, below inscribed characters da song qingyuan san nian [third year of the Qingyuan of the great Song] corresponding to the year 1197, a band of further abstracted flowers above, repeated around the base, the foot ring unglazed revealing the buff-colored body, Japanese wood box (2)

Acquired in Japan between 1947 and 1952 and thence by descent.

There are some glaze chips around the foot and scratches, surface wear, and patches of discoloration overall. Overall, the vase is in good condition.
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.

It is very rare to find a vase of this type with an inscribed date. 1197 corresponds to the third year of the Qingyuan emperor; a reference to the first of three era names taken by the Ninzong emperor whose reign lasted from 1195-1224. Compare a vase with figures and an inscription zhong xiao jie yi also attributed to the Yuan dynasty, formerly in the Arthur M Sackler Collection, sold at Christie's New York, 18th March 2009, lot 329.