A LARGE BLUE AND WHITE 'MYTHICAL BEAST' BOWL MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY |

the rounded sides supported on a short, tapered foot, the exterior painted with four caparisoned mythical creatures each bearing a lotus blossom on its back with a trigram floating in a medallion above, flame scrolls and cloud wisps between the striding animals and the 'Islands of Immortality' rising from the waves below, all between lappet and chevron borders, the interior with a central medallion encircling a qilin and a diapered border at the rim with reserved shaped cartouches enclosing cranes, the base with an apocryphal six-character Xuande mark

There's an approximately 1cm long firing crack to rim, another long spiraling firing crack to base approximately 23cm long. Firing flaws, burst glaze bubble, and scratches visible throughout the surface, the mouthrim slightly warped, polished chips on the footring, and glaze losses around rim. A streak of soiling from the rim to the interior.
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.