A BLACK AND CINNABAR LACQUER 'CAMELLIA' DISH YUAN DYNASTY

of circular form with shallow rounded sides supported on a short straight foot, deeply and densely carved through alternating layers of black and cinnabar lacquer with a spray of three camellia surrounded by attendant buds and veined leaves, the petals and stamen richly detailed through varying depths, the foliage naturalistically curling below the thick rounded rim, the exterior similarly carved with 'classic' scrolls

There are a few typical scattered age cracks, some possibly secured with light touch up at the rim, there is some crackles on the base, but overall the dish is in very 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. 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."

Yuan floral dishes of this type are notable for the varied depths of carving and dynamically rendered designs. A related cinnabar lacquer dish of this size carved with a similarly composed scene of peonies, from the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, is illustrated in Hai-wai yi-chen. Chinese Art in Overseas Collections. Lacquerware, Taipei, 1987, pl. 56; and a slightly larger example was included in the exhibition From Innovation to Conformity: Chinese Lacquer from the 13^th to 16^th Centuries, Bluett & Son, London, 1989, cat. no. 6 and cover illustration. Compare a dish with a central gardenia bloom surrounded by buds and leaves, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, published in 200 Objects You Should Know. Lacquerware, Beijing, 2008, pl. 3; and a slightly smaller example decorated with a large peony and three further flowers and leaves, from the Edward T. Chow and Lee Family collections, sold in these rooms, 3^rd/4^th May 1994, lot 276, and again at Christie’s Hong Kong, 28^th November 2012, lot 2083. As seen on the present lot, the latter two dishes are also carved with xiangcao 'classic' scrolls on the exterior, a feature typical of Yuan lacquer dishes.