A RARE AND MASSIVE CHINESE CANTON FAMILLE-ROSE 'ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS' BOWL, 19TH CENTURY |

sturdily potted set on a straight short foot rising up to a slightly flaring rim, the exterior finely decorated allover with blossoms, fruits and butterflies, with two circular reserves painted with peonies issuing from rockwork, and four shaped reserve panels decorated with figures in garden pavilions, the interior painted with a continuous scene of characters from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms reserved on a bright yellow ground

Sotheby's New York, January 15, 2004, lot 105

Overall with typical wear to the enamels and gilding, there is a appox. 5/8 in., chip to the exterior of the rim with touch ups to the gilding on either side. Overall with minor firing imperfections including the yellow ground on the interior slightly overfired. The base painted in iron-red, with a five-claw writhing dragon pursuing a flaming among scrolled clouds.
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.

The combination of the high quality of painting, the subject, and the massive size of the present example is rare. The interior is painted with characters from the Chinese classic by Luo Guanzhong, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, including depictions of major characters such as Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi.