AN IMPERIAL YELLOW-GLAZED DISH MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

with rounded sides rising from a short foot to a flared rim, applied overall with an even pale yellow glaze stopping neatly at the foot, the base glazed white and inscribed with a six-character reign mark in underglaze blue within a double circle

Tipton, 1960.
Bluett & Sons Ltd, London, 1960 (£60).
Collection of Roger Pilkington (1928-69), from 1960 (£175).

Adrian Joseph, Ming Porcelains: Their Origins and Development, London, 1971, pl. 106.

Apart from two small shallow glaze flakes and typical wear to the interior, there is a firing fissure on the footring of 0.3 cm extending on both ends as hairline cracks, of 0.5 and 0.7 cm respectively, at 7 o'clock position as illustrated 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."

A closely related dish is illustrated in John Ayers, Chinese Ceramics. The Koger Collection, London, 1985, pl. 77; another was sold in our London rooms, 7th June 1988, lot 255; and a third was sold in these rooms, 28th November 1979, lot 121. See also a larger yellow-glazed dish with Wanli mark and of the period from the R.H.R. Palmer collection, sold in our London rooms, 28th March 1968, lot 100; and another sold at Christie’s London, 7th June 1971, lot 61.