A FINE GILT-DECORATED IRON-RED BEEHIVE WATERPOT, TAIBOZUN SHENGDETANG ZHI MARK, QING DYNASTY, DAOGUANG PERIOD

of classic domed 'taibozun' form, the rounded sides contracting to a narrow waisted neck below an everted rim, the exterior decorated in gilt with two five-clawed dragons writhing sinuously in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl' above crashing waves, all against a brilliant iron-red ground, the base inscribed with an iron-red four-character mark Shengdetang zhi ('Made for the Hall of Prudent Virtue')

Hosokawa Morisada Collection ten II – Shinno jiki, Persia no touki [Morisada Hosokawa Collection exhibition II – Qing porcelains and Persian ceramics], Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art, Kumamoto, 1993, cat. no. 41.

Sekai tōji zenshū / Collection of World’s Ceramics, vol. 12: Shinchou henfu Annan, Thai / Ch'ing Dynasty with a Supplement on Annamese Ceramics, Tokyo, 1956, p. 186, fig. 66.
Sekai tōji zenshū / Ceramic Art of the World, vol. 15: Shin / Qing, Tokyo, 1983, p. 254, figs. 202-203.
Morisada Hosokawa, Mokumei Goshiki: Shinchō jiki [Bewildering colours: Qing Dynasty porcelains], Tokyo, 1992, no. 64.

The overall condition is very good with only some expected wear to the gilt decoration.
"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."