A MOLDED 'YAOZHOU' BOWL NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY

with rounded sides rising from a short foot, the interior molded in shallow relief with two large peony blooms borne on densely scrolling foliage, all under a transparent olive-green glaze pooling to a darker green in the recesses

In good general condition. The interior with a faint network of glaze lines, several scattered glaze inclusions and a 0.3 cm shallow glaze flake at the rim. The underside of the rim with a faint 3.4 cm C-shaped scratch. Several glaze pulls and glaze inclusions above the foot and light surface wear throughout.
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 similar bowl in the Art Institute of Chicago was included in the exhibition Ice and Green Clouds. Traditions of Chinese Celadon, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, 1986, cat. no. 61, where it is noted that fragments from bowls molded with peonies of the same beehive-form were unearthed at Huangbaozhen, ibid, p. 158. Compare also a bowl of this type sold in our London rooms, 13th December 1988, lot 119, and another sold at Christie's London, 7th November 2006, lot 148.