A BLUE AND WHITE 'LOTUS' BOWLMING DYNASTY, 15TH CENTURY |

the deep rounded sides set over a slightly tapered foot, the exterior painted in variegated cobalt tones with a continuous scroll of foliate stems issuing lotus blossoms, the motif framed between a double line at the rim and further plain bands encircling the foot, the interior centered with a large flowerhead within a double circle

English Private Collection (by repute).

There are two small restored chips to the rim, and minor firing imperfections (including a short firing line from the rim and another to the exterior side).
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 present bowl may be attributed to the second half of the fifteenth century based on the quality of the glaze, porcelain body and style of the painting. The design is clearly inspired by Chenghua mark and period 'palace' bowls, such as one in the Percival David Collection, at the British Museum, London, published in Stacey Pierson, Illustrated Catalogue of Underglaze Blue and Copper Red Decorated Porcelains in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, London, 2004, pl. 40. Compare an unmarked blue and white bowl attributed to the late fifteenth century by John Alexander Pope, illustrated in Chinese Porcelains from the Ardebil Shrine, Washington, D.C., 1956, pl. 64.