A BLUE AND WHITE ‘LADIES AND BOYS’ VASE MING DYNASTY, CHONGZHEN PERIOD

the tapering cylindrical body rising to a waisted neck flaring at the rim, painted with a standing lady holding a fan and looking back towards a lady dancing with two boys accompanied by another two boys playing the flute, all set in a fenced garden landscape with rocks, plantain and willow trees, the shoulder and foot encircled by incised floral scroll and chevron bands, the neck painted with upright plantain leaves

The vase is in very good condition with the exception of some minor glaze firing imperfections, including two 2cm., lines of depression to the glaze at the shoulder, iron spots and burst glaze bubbles at the edge of the rim, lines of tiny glazes pulls to the interior of the rim and minor glaze scratches.
"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."