AN EXTREMELY RARE WHITE-GLAZED 'PHOENIX' JAR YUAN DYNASTY

of baluster form, applied in biscuit with a soaring phoenix amidst scrolling clouds, covered overall in a slightly blue-tinged white glaze, the unglazed base and the edges of the phoenix fired to a buff-orange tone

Acquired before 6th June 1995.

The mouthrim has been polished down. There are some flakes to the raised decoration (max. approx. 1.7 cm). The jar has a stabilised hairline crack across the base extending up to the middle of the jar on one side and approx. 3.5 cm on the other side, possibly induced by firing. There are firing flaws, including firing lines and glaze gaps to the mouth and on the reverse. The jar also has some expected glaze flakes and surface scratches.
"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."

No other piece of white-glazed porcelain of the Yuan dynasty decorated with a sprig-moulded biscuit design appears to be recorded. This decorative technique was very popular during the Yuan dynasty both at the Longquan and Jingdezhen kilns and examples of both celadon and white-glazed pieces with applied decoration are illustrated by Sherman Lee and Wai-Kam Ho, Chinese art under the Mongols: The Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), pls 74-82 and 107-112. But while on celadon pieces the applied decoration was very often left in the biscuit, on white porcelain it was usually glazed. A white jar with an applied prunus branch around the sides, all covered with the transparent glaze, is illustrated in Tianjin Shi Yishu Bowuguan Cang Ci/Porcelains from the Tianjin Municipal Museum, Hong Kong, 1993, pl. 64.