A ‘DING’ LOBED ‘FISH’ DISH SONG DYNASTY

the flat base rising to flaring sides divided into six lobes by raised vertical ribs, freely carved to the interior with a pair of fish swimming amongst rippled waves, applied overall with a creamy ivory glaze, the lobed rim bound with copper

Collection of Martin D. Corke, until 1959.
Sotheby's London, 17th February 1959, lot 13 (£150).
Bluett & Sons Ltd, London, 1959 (£150)
Collection of Roger Pilkington (1928-69), from 1959 (£200).

The dish is in overall condition except for some minor surface wear and typical firing flaws.Minor flakes to the rim are visible below the metal mount, as visible in the catalogue.
"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."

Dishes of this elegant lobed form and carved with a vibrant and freely rendered design of fishes amongst waves are rare, although a similar example, but with the fishes swimming in opposite directions, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, was included in the Museum’s exhibition Decorated Porcelains of Dingzhou. White Ding Wares from the Collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2014, cat. no. II-88, together with another dish, but modelled with a short foot and carved with a single fish, pl. II-89.

Highly reproductive and often found swimming in pairs, fish symbolise marriage, many children and abundance, as well as being emblems of harmony and conjugal bliss; hence a pair of fish swimming in water creates the wish for a couple to be as harmonious as fish and water (yushui hexie).