A LARGE WUCAI 'LADIES AND CHILDREN' JAR AND A COVER 17TH CENTURY

the broad baluster-form body painted with a continuous scene of four elegantly attired ladies watching over small boys at play in a grand garden setting, the neck encircled with a band of flowering and fruiting branches behind garden rocks, the fitted domed cover decorated en suite, the base unglazed

Nathan Bentz, Santa Barbara, California, prior to 1940.
Collection of Edward H. Bennett (1874-1954), and thence by descent.

Three sections of the rim out and re-stuck with gilt-lacquer restoration, measuring 6.4 cm, 9.6 cm and 9.8 cm across the rim, each with associated cracks. The 9.6 cm wide section with an associated area of the loss at the rim, measuring approximately 2 cm by 0.9 cm. Several shallow stained rim chips, the largest measuring 1.8 cm wide. A rim crack, measuring 7.7 cm. Wear all over, including some surface scratching and glaze hairlines. The base inscribed with Chinese characters and the numeral 4. The cover with shallow chips to the rim.
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.