A LARGE 'QINGBAI' EWER AND COVER YUAN DYNASTY

the pyriform body rising to a tall gently flaring neck, supported on a splayed foot, the body set with a slender curved spout issuing from the mouth of a dragon, connected to the body by an elaborate S-shaped strut set opposite a high arched handle formed by the scaled body of a dragon-fish, its serpentine horn forming a small loop for attaching the cover terminating in radiating scales reinforcing the base, the body applied and incised to either side with a phoenix in flight, above a band of upright lappets containing ruyi heads, the neck collared by a key-fret band and slip-painted upright petal lappets below the rim, fitted with a stepped domed cover and a small eyelet for attachment to the ewer, surmounted by a seated playfully-ribbon-entangled lion-form knop, all beneath a pale blue transparent glaze (2)

Acquired in the 1970s or 80s.

There are two hairline cracks from the rim; the longer one approximately 2 inches in length extends at a right angle another inch. A band has been added to consolidate a break to the restored upper section of the spout. The base of the spout with restoration to one side of the dragon's mouth. The cover finial with a missing section of ribbon from the lion's mouth and a restored section of ribbon as well as restoration to the end of its mane. There is also a restored chip to the inner rim of the cover approximately 1 1/4 inches in length. The surface of the ewer and cover lightly polished and with expected wear.
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.

A very similar ewer and cover from the Meiyintang Collection was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 7th April 2011, lot 39. A ewer of the same form and decoration but lacking a cover in the Tokyo National Museum is illustrated in Yutaka Mino, Hakuji [White Porcelain], vol. 5, Tokyo, 1998, col. pl. 79.