A RARE BLUE AND WHITE WATER VESSEL MING DYNASTY, LATE 15TH / EARLY 16TH CENTURY

the globular body molded at the widest point with two raised horizontal ribs, with further ribs to the shoulder rising to a deep bowl-shaped mouth, the inside of the neck with a reticulated filter, the body densely painted with broad bands of lotus and peony scrolls, with a band of lappets at the foot, and the waisted neck with segmented florets, all divided by double line borders 

In sound condition with minor firing imperfections throughout (including small firing lines, small iron spots, and heaping-and-piling). The glaze degraded to a matte surface with scattered shallow scratches and wear to the raised horizontal bands from burial and subsequent cleaning. Small chips to the footring.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Most likely copying a metalwork prototype, this rare vessel would have been used in Western and Southeast Asia to keep water free from impurities. Compare a similar vessel mounted with a gold 17th century Ottoman mount in the Topkapi Museum, illustrated in Regina Krahl and John Ayers, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, Istanbul, London, vol. II, pl. 665, 1986.