A BLACK-GLAZED OILSPOT BOWL NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY |

the deep conical sides rising from a short straight foot to an everted rim, covered overall with a black glaze infused with silvery oil spots

This rare bowl is in good condition with the exception of two circa 2.5-3cm., areas of restoration to the exterior of the rim and one similarly sized area to the rim on the interior and exterior, a 7mm., shallow flake to the footring and minor glaze scratches.
"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."

The present piece boasts a highly lustrous glaze with iridescent ‘oil spot’ markings that shift from silvery-metallic tones to russet-brown when light shines through them. Bowls of this form and covered in this ‘oil spot’ glaze are unusual; compare a slightly smaller bowl, but the glaze stopping above the foot, in the Meiyintang collection, illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 3 (II), London, 2006, pl. 1503; a bowl of deeper form, from the collection of Dr. Yogokawa Tamisuke, now in the Tokyo National Museum, included in Illustrated Catalogues of Tokyo National Museum. Chinese Ceramics I, Tokyo, 1988, pl. 611; another in the Toguri Museum of Art, Tokyo, included in the exhibition Charm of Black & White Ware; Transition of Cizhou Type Wares, Osaka Municipal Museum of Art, Osaka, 2002, cat. no. 138; a fourth bowl, but the rim less flared, in the Yuegutang collection, illustrated in Regina Krahl, A Collection of Chinese Ceramics in Berlin, Berlin, 2000, pl. 182; and another from the collection of Sir A. Daniel Hall and the Malcolm collection, sold twice in these rooms, 1^st July 1943, lot 17, and 29^th March 1977, lot 159.