A CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER 'PEONY' DISH YUAN DYNASTY, 14TH CENTURY

of circular form, the shallow rounded sides resting on a short foot, the interior superbly carved in deep relief through the thick red lacquer with three large blossoming peony blossoms, their large furled petals surrounding the meticulously picked out floral-diapered stamens, all amidst dense foliage of large leaves and further blossoms and buds, the exterior possibly relacquered in the negoro technique, the base lacquered black

Bluett & Sons, London.

Regina Krahl and Brian Morgan, From Innovation to Conformity: Chinese Lacquer from the 13th to 16th Centuries, Bluett & Sons, London, 1989, cat. no. 6 and cover.

As visible in the catalogue photo, there are typical age cracks as expected. By tradition, the original classic scroll border on the exterior appears to have been later removed, possibly to due to damage, and relacquered in Japan in negoro technique, which is most likely to be of pre-Tokugawa period (early 17th century). Other small bruises and minor chips.
"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 dish exemplifies the mature style of the Yuan dynasty which can be characterised by an emphasis on three-dimensional modelling and the complexity of surface decoration. Carved lacquer ware of the Yuan period was typically produced in high relief to allow for three-dimensional modelling and the overlapping of elements within the composition to allow for a greater sense of depth. These traits are illustrated in the intricately modelled and detailed flower petals and leaves, as well as the thickness of the lacquer which has enabled the motif to be carved at varying levels of relief. 

A related dish similarly carved with three loosely-petalled peonies among clusters of leaves and buds, included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935, cat. no. 1027, shown at the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition, The Arts of the Ming Dynasty, London, 1957, cat. no. 231, and included in the exhibition Chinese Art Under the Mongols. The Yuan Dynasty, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, 1968, cat. no. 294, was sold in our London rooms, 14th December 1976, lot 217; and another, from the Yamanouchi Family collection, was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 30th May 2006, lot 1527.

Compare a dish carved in the same style, with three blooming lilies and large curling leaves, from the collections of Professor E. Balla and Dr W. Balla, sold in our London rooms, 12th December 1979, lot 151, and again, 12th December 1989, lot 41, from the British Rail Pension Fund collection; and another, carved with a large central peony surrounded by smaller peonies and leaves, sold at Christie’s London, 27th November 1967, again in these rooms, 3rd May 1994, from the collection of Edward T. Chow, and a third time at Christie’s Hong Kong, 28th November 2012, lot 2083, from the Lee Family collection.