A Blue and White 'Qilin' Dish and a Blue and White 'Vajra and Chrysanthemum' Dish Ming Dynasty, Wanli Period and Interregnum Period

the large dish potted with rounded sides rising from a short tapered foot, the interior painted with a qilin amidst rockwork and flames, with a furious expression and opened mouth revealing its tongue, the base inscribed jiachunyu tang; the smaller dish with rounded sides rising from a recessed base, the interior painted with a medallion enclosing a vajra surrounded by four leafy chrysanthemum, the exterior with long leafy stems and further large floral blooms

Dish: There are a few minor nicks on the rim which are consistent with the time as well as expected firing imperfections on the interior including a couple of unburst air bubbles and pinholes. There are further imperfections on the surface glaze on the underside including pinprick holes and a 1.3 cm shrinkage in the glaze near the foot but overall the dish is in good condition. The actual colour is consistent with the catalogue illustration if not slightly paler. The vajra dish is also generally in good condition with expected typical firing imperfections in the glaze including a couple of minute gaps in the glaze on the exterior rim together with light scratches to the surface glaze. The colour is slightly more cobalt than but close to the catalogue illustration.
"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."

For a shard with the hallmark jiachunyu tang dated to the Wanli period see A Legacy of the Ming, Nanjing Museum and the Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 210.