AN YIXING STONEWARE 'LOTUS POD' WATERPOT BY CHEN MINGYUAN, EARLY QING DYNASTY

naturalistically modelled in the form of a cross-sectioned lotus pod bursting with seeds, the curled stem forming the handle, beside a smaller attendant pod and a seed on the exterior, the base impressed with two seals reading Chen Mingyuan

Collection of W.W. Winkworth (1897-1991).

good condition
"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."

Naturalistically modelled in the form of a lotus pod, this waterpot bears the seal of Chen Mingyuan, a native of Yixing in Jiangsu province, who is recorded as having been active in the Kangxi and Yongzheng reigns. Chen is considered one of the most talented and versatile Yixing potters, who produced numerous pieces in a variety of styles. According to contemporary literature he was the son of Chen Ziqi, and is best known for his scholar’s articles through which he was able to a achieve a particularly refined sense of realism. His vessels are best known for their thin bodies and fine craftsmanship while his inscriptions were said to be in the style of the Sui and Tang calligraphers.

A closely related cup, with a Chen Mingyuan mark, in the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, was included in the exhibition Themes and Variations. The Zisha Pottery of Chen Mingyuan, Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1997, pl. 25, together with one in the form of a lotus petal, cat. no. 28, and another in the shape of a lotus rhizome, cat. no. 24.