A BLUE AND WHITE 'SCHOLARS' STEMBOWL 17TH CENTURY

the rounded sides rising to a flared rim, supported on a hollow stem widening towards the base, painted around the exterior with a continuous scene of sixteen scholars in various pursuits, some admiring a painting, others playing weiqi, and others discussing a book, the interior painted with a medallion enclosing a scholar seated in a garden setting

There are scattered burst air bubbles around the rim, the interior and exterior. There are scattered iron spots as well as a piece of kiln grit to the interior.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Porcelains depicting scholarly pursuits were popular during the Transitional period from late Ming to Early Qing and into the Kangxi period. Traditionally a gentleman scholar manifested his skill in the 'Four Accomplishments'; calligraphy, the game of chess or weiqi, painting and playing the qin.