A BLUE AND WHITE MYTHICAL BEAST SPRINKLER MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

the globular body supported on a tall spreading foot rising to a cup-shaped mouth supported by six arched spouts springing from the shoulder, painted in rich cobalt-blue tones around the body with three slender archaistic dragons below chevron and lotus lappet bands, the spouts decorated with alternating lattice and florets, the cup with a chevron band and pierced to the interior with six apertures, the countersunk base marked with a seated hare

There is a 9cm by 3cm semi-circular section of restoration to the mouth rim, as well as restoration to two of the arched spouts. There is also restoration to a number of cracked areas to the upper section between the supports. There are six firing cracks to the footrim of varied lenght and glaze firing imperfections including glaze pinholes and scattered iron spots.
"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."

Similar sprinklers include two illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, Istanbul, vol. 2, London, 1986, pl. 1021 and 1022, and another from the Zeiser Collection, sold at Christie's New York, 23rd March 2012, lot 1987.