A RARE WHITE-GLAZED BEEHIVE WATER POT, TAIBO ZUN KANGXI MARK AND PERIOD

the rounded sides rising to a narrow wasted neck and slightly flared rim, the sides crisply carved with three medallions in shallow relief with an archaistic dragon, all beneath a translucent white glaze

Christie's Hong Kong, 26th April 2004, lot 916.

There is an area of restoration to the rim and neck (4cm by 1.2cm). There are some light scratches to the sides and small burst bubbles 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."

Beehive waterpots of this shape are well-known with peach-bloom glazes but those covered in other monochrome glazes were produced in smaller numbers. A closely related waterpot in the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, is illustrated in Kangxi Porcelain Wares, Hong Kong, 1998, pl. 228; one from the Qing court collection and still in Beijing, is published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Monochrome Porcelain, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 111; another in the Koger collection, illustrated in J. Ayers, Chinese Ceramics. The Koger Collection, London, 1985, pl. 139, was sold in these rooms, 16th May 2012, lot 171; and a fourth example, from the Riesco collection, illustrated in Edgar E. Bluett, The Riesco Collection of Old Chinese Pottery and Porcelain, London, 1951, pl. 61 (right), was sold in these rooms, 11th December 1984, lot 430.