A BLACK LACQUER LOBED DISH SONG DYNASTY |

delicately constructed with shallow everted sides rising from a recessed base to a six-lobed rim, divided by small ridges evenly radiating around the cavetto, further encircled with metal, Japanese wood box

The dish is in overall good condition. As visible in the catalogue photo, there are expected age crackles as consistent with its age and type, with minute flakes to the mounted rim.
"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."

Lacquerware made between the late Tang and the early Song dynasties is characterised by simple, well-proportioned flower shapes with more or less deep indentations. These quiet, pleasing forms that were used for dishes, bowls and cup stands set a stylistic trend that reverberated throughout the period and strongly influenced ceramic designs. The present delicately lobed shape, resembling a prunus blossom and often modelled with five to seven petals, is one of the most classic Song forms amongst lacquerware as well as ceramics. See two closely related examples from the collection of Sakamoto Gorō, sold in these rooms, 8th October 2013, lots 141 and 144. A red lacquer dish of this type, but of larger size, from the Lee Family collection and included in the exhibition Dragon and Phoenix, The Museum of East Asian Art, Cologne, 1990, cat. no. 15, was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 3rd December 2008, lot 2109. See also a similar lacquer dish discovered amongst a group of lacquerware attributed to the Tang dynasty, excavated at Jianli county, Hubei Province, published in Wenwu/Chinese Cultural Relics, 1982, no. 2, p. 93, pl. 8, fig. 4. Compare also a persimmon-glazed Dingyao dish of smaller size (12.6 cm) and with subtler indentations, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Selection of Ding Ware. The Palace Museum's Collection and Archaeological Excavation, Beijing, 2012, pl. 89, together with another covered in a transparent ivory glaze, pl. 73.