A Celadon-Glazed and Gilt-Embellished Mallow-Shaped Washer Mark and Period of Kangxi

finely potted to resemble a ten-lobed mallow blossom, the sides rising from a lobed base to a correponding rim, covered overall in an even celadon glaze thinning on the interior ridges of the lobes, the cavetto decorated in gilt with a pagoda and a pavilion set amidst a mountainous landscape, the exterior with a lotus scroll, the rim bordered with gilt, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark in two horizontal lines within a recessed circular panel

There are short glaze crackles, mostly running vertically on the interior non-gilded walls, and a hairline running circularly at the centre (visible from illustration) which is possibly related to firing as it overlaps with the unglazed circle at the bottom around the reign mark. Gilt paint is in overall well preserved except for that on the lower left of the centre, and few small areas on the exterior. Otherwise the washer is in a rather 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."

A closely related example, of slightly smaller size, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Qingdai yuyao ciqi [Imperial ceramics of the Qing dynasty], Beijing, 2005, pl. 110. A plain celadon glazed washer of this type was included in the exhibition Qingdai danse you ciqi tezhan, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1981, cat. no. 76; and another, with a gilt-metal rim, from the E.T. Hall collection, was sold at Christie’s London, 7th June 2004, lot 234. See also a related washer covered overall with a lavender glaze, illustrated in Kangxi Porcelain Wares from the Shanghai Museum Collection, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, 1998, pl. 217.