A rare carved ‘Cizhou’ ‘peony’ jar and cover Northern Song dynasty

the ovoid body rising from a recessed base to a short neck, deeply carved through the creamy-white slip into the straw-coloured ware with a wide band of peony blooms borne on undulating leafy stems, all below overlapping pendent lappets around the shoulder, applied overall with a thin ivory glaze, the interior glazed dark brown, the domed cover similarly decorated with a stylised floral medallion, Japanese wood box

A Japanese Private Collection, acquired in the 1970s.

This crisply carved jar and cover are in very good condition with the exception of minor glaze firing imperfections.
"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."