Lot 512
  • 512

A CARVED 'DING' 'FISH' BOWL NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY |

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Diameter 6 1/2  in., 16.6 cm
well potted, with deep gently rounded sides rising from a straight narrow foot ring, carved around the exterior with two rows of overlapping stiff lotus lappets, the interior finely incised with a central medallion enclosing a pair of fish swimming amidst combed waves, the tactile ivory-white glaze pooling in characteristic 'teardrops' and stopping neatly at the foot ring, the rim bound in metal, Japanese wood box (3)

Condition

There is an apprx. 4 cm long bruise to the footring and another horizontal apprx. 3 cm long hairline crack to the inner footring. Overall with minute wear and scattered firing imperfections typical of age and type.
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.

Catalogue Note

Ding bowls carved with this auspicious motif of fish swimming in water were popular in the Northern Song dynasty. Examples of this elegant deep shape are however unusual, and only one related example appears to have been published: a slightly larger bowl sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 24th November 1981, lot 31. See also a bowl carved with fish on the interior and with petals on the exterior, but of conical form, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Museum’s Special Exhibition of Ting Ware White Porcelain, Taipei, 1987, cat. no. 47.   

A bowl of this type but with a dragon on the interior, from the Kempe Collection, in the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Stockholm, is illustrated in Oriental Ceramics. The World’s Great Collections, Tokyo, 1982, vol. 8, pl. 107; and another with lotus, from the collection of J.H. Oppenheim, now in the British Museum, London, is published ibid., 1981, vol. 5, pl. 57.