A RARE CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL 'THREE FRIENDS OF WINTER' WARMING BOWL MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

the deep rounded sides resting on a countersunk base cast with a circular aperture into the hollow interior, the exterior decorated with a continuous scene depicting the 'Three Friends of Winter' with tall bamboo shoots and trees with branches bearing pine and prunus blossoms, all picked out in multi-coloured enamels against a bright turquoise ground, a band enclosing floral scrolls against a white ground encircling the rim, the interior with three Buddhist lions in yellow, white and blue depicted prancing around a beribboned ball of yarn, all against a turquoise ground, the base similarly decorated with stylised floral blossoms stemming from a large central bloom with a pierced centre

The overall condition is quite good, with the exception of some wax-filled enamel losses to the cloisonné surface, especially to the edges, but also include two area of approx. 1 (beribboned ball) and 1.2 cm long (yellow lion's face) to the interior, as well as two other of approx. 2 (white enamels beneath the pine tree) and 2.2 cm long (yellow rock under the prunus). The warming bowl is slightly warped. There are some minor dents and characteristic burst bubbles to the enamels, as well as some typical wear to the gilding.
"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."

Another rare cloisonné enamel warming bowl of this form, decorated with galloping horses around the exterior, from the collection of Dame Una Pope-Hennessy, London, was included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935-6, and illustrated in the Catalogue, pl. 2013. For similar composition of cloisonné enamel decoration, compare the treatment of the Buddhist lions, background and borders on a jar from the Qing Court collection, preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Metal-bodied Enamel Ware, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 39.