A VERY RARE BLUE AND WHITE STEMBOWL WITH FORMAL MOTIFS MARK AND PERIOD OF ZHENGDE

thinly potted, the rounded sides rising to a flared rim, supported on a tubular stem widening towards the base, delicately painted around the exterior in soft shades of cobalt blue under a smoky glaze with a formal arabesque scrollwork incorporating pomegranate-like shoots, repeated twice in opposite directions around the stem, above a collar of radiating archaistic cicada lappets encircling the base and between borders of simple curl motifs at the rim and foot, the interior left undecorated, the interior of the stem glazed and inscribed in underglaze blue with an evenly spaced six-character horizontal reign mark

Meiyintang Collection.

Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, London, 1994-2010, vol. 4, no. 1678.

There is a 5 cm. vertical hairline crack at the rim, and a perpendicular horizontal crackle extending around the exterior approx 12 cm. (one showing through on the interior). There is also slight fritting to the mouthrim. There are some cracks secured around the junction of the bowl and the stem.
"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."

Abstract designs of this type are characteristic of the Zhengde period, when they were often used in combination with Arabic writing, and as non-representational patterns may have been specially designed for the Middle Eastern market. Compare, for example, an incense burner with similar designs and medallions of Arabic writing, of Zhengde mark and period, from the collection of Sir Harry Garner, sold in these rooms, 20th May 1980, lot 41. Stembowls of the present design are, however, extremely rare, and this piece may be unique.