A CARVED SLIP-DECORATED 'MISHIMA' 'BIRD' VASE KOREA, JOSEON DYNASTY, 15TH/16TH CENTURY

the pear-shaped body rising from a straight foot to a narrow waisted neck flaring at the rim, freely incised to the exterior with a bird in flight between concentric line borders, covered overall in a translucent greyish-green glaze revealing the textured body underneath, Japanese wood box

This vase is in good condition, but has some light crazing to the glaze 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. 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."

The present bottle is notable for its carefree and spontaneous design of a bird in flight, which was carved through a layer of white slip to reveal the darker tone of the body. Revered in Japan as mishima ware, vases carved in the sgraffiato technique were produced at the Keryong-san kiln, which was founded by impoverished Buddhist monks at the beginning of the Yi dynasty. A vase carved in a similar style with a spray of reed unearthed in Keryong-san, is illustrated in Goro Akaboshi, Heiichiro Nakamuru, Five Centuries of Korean Ceramics. Pottery and Porcelain of the Yi Dynasty, New York, 1975, pl. 61.

Further bottle vases of this type include a larger one carved with fishes, included in the exhibition Yi dynasty ceramics, Uragami Sōkyu-Dō, Tokyo, 1983, vol. 1, cat. no. 18, together with one decorated with floral roundels, cat. no. 19; another illustrated in Shōrin Tashiro, Zusetsu Chōsen bijutsu shi [Illustrated study of Korean ceramics], Tokyo, 1941, pl. 55; and a third, published in Tōji taikei. Richō no sometsuke, Tokyo, 1978, pl. 50. Compare also bottles painted with a similar design of birds, such as one illustrated in Tōji taikei. Mishima, Tokyo, 1976, pl. 46.