A PAINTED 'CIZHOU' JAR SONG / JIN DYNASTY |

well-potted, of slightly compressed globular form rising from a short spreading foot, the body deftly painted on the exterior with a wide, continuous band of interlaced 'cash' symbols in dark brown slip against an ivory-white ground, all beneath a lustrous transparent glaze stopping short of the base revealing the buff-colored stoneware body, the interior a plain creamy-white

Collection of Mrs. Potter Palmer (1849-1918) and thence by descent.
Gifted to the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago by Bertha Palmer Thorne (1911-1974) in 1973 (acc. no. 1973. 825).

Freedom of Clay and Brush through Seven Centuries in Northern China: Tz'u-chou Type Wares, 960-1600 A.D., Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, 1980, p. 152, fig. 173.

The rim with some scattered frits. There is a small hole (possibly from erosion) towards the base (approx 1 cm). The surface with wear overall, some glaze crazing and discoloration and accretions to the interior along one 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.

Usually painted with floral motifs, examples decorated with similar 'cash' patterns are exceptionally rare. An incised jar of the same form and decoration but with the design in white on a dark brown ground, from the Linyushanren Collection, is illustrated in several publications including Special Exhibition, Charm of Black & White Ware; Transition of Cizhou Type Wares, The Osaka Municipal Art Museum, Osaka, 2002, cat. no. 47, and was sold at Christie's New York, 22nd March 2018, lot 508.  For a vessel of the same form with dark brown painted floral decoration, see an example excavated at the Guantai kiln, Hebei, illustrated in Guantai Cizhou yaozhi [The Cizhou Kiln Site at Guantai], Beijing, 1997, pl. XIV, no. 2.