A RUSSET-SPLASHED BLACK-GLAZED JAR SONG DYNASTY |

sturdily potted with a body rising from a countersunk base to a broad shoulder below a short neck, the exterior applied overall with a glossy black glaze extending onto the interior of the neck and falling and pooling neatly just above the base, further liberally applied with russet-brown splashes, the base with a wash of blackish-brown glaze and revealing the grey stoneware body, Japanese wood box

Manno Art Museum, Osaka (label).

There is retouching to five sections around the foot where the glaze pools, the largest measuring approx. 4.4 cm, small chips to the exposed stoneware body, and surface scratches to the exterior.
"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."

Black-glazed ware of the Song dynasty represents a more adventurous and varied style of early ceramic production. From the Tang dynasty black-glazed stonewares began to make significant contributions to Chinese ceramics, with the best Tang wares being produced at the kilns in the Yellow River area of Northern China. Minimalist forms that were often inspired by nature, covered with monochrome glazes, soon led to painted and splashed designs which were achieved by exploiting lighter overglazes on the dark ground. A jar of similar form, painted with bold swirls on a brownish-black ground, from the Sakamoto Gorō collection is published in Sekai toji zenshu [Ceramic art of the world], vol. 12, Tokyo, 1977, pl. 248; and two are illustrated in Mayuyama Seventy Years, vol. 1, pls 582 and 585. It is more common to find smaller jars of this type decorated with irregular splashes; for example, see one from the George F. de Menasce collection included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Sung Dynasty Wares. Chun and Brown Glazes, London, 1952, cat. no. 65.