A BLUE-GLAZED POTTERY JAR TANG DYNASTY |

the broad-shouldered body rising from a short spreading foot to a waisted neck with a rolled everted rim, covered overall in a vibrant blue glaze, applied in layers and pooling to deep indigo tones, the glaze extending over the rim and foot, stopping unevenly on the base to reveal the pinkish-buff body, the interior applied with a transparent yellow-tinged glaze with three spur marks to the rim

Hirano Koto-ken, Tokyo, 1976. 

Chūgoku bijutsu ten: Zui Tō no bijutsu [Chinese Art exhibition series: The Art of the Sui and Tang dynasties], Osaka Art Museum, Osaka, 1976, cat. no. 1.45.

There are several patches of overpainting throughout to conceal glaze flakes, including one area at the rim apprx. 2.5 cm long with restoration. The footring with shallow flakes, and three more at the inner rim. Crazing and wear to the glaze.
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.

Vessels covered entirely in cobalt blue were an innovation of the Tang dynasty that can be traced back to at least the 7th century. These wares were highly valued, as the cobalt used for making them is believed to have been imported.   A jar and cover of similar proportions, in the Meiyintang Collection, is illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 3 (I), London, 2006, pl. 1294; one in the Gemeentemuseum, The Hague, is illustrated in Nigel Wood, Chinese Glazes, London, 1999, p. 204; another was sold in our London rooms, 23rd May 1972, lot 73; and a slightly smaller example from the Ataka Collection, in the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, is published in Masterpieces of Chinese and Korean Ceramics in the Ataka Collection. China, Tokyo, 1980, pl. 52. See also a much larger blue-glazed jar and cover, from the collection of the National Trust at Ascott House, published in Margaret Medley, T’ang Pottery and Porcelain, London, 1981, p. 16.