明嘉靖 青花「壽祿封侯」圖盌 《大明嘉靖年製》款

finely potted with deep rounded sides rising from a neat, slightly undercut foot to a gently flared rim, decorated around the exterior in pencilled tones of cobalt with a monkey seated in a fruiting peach tree foraging insects with a small branch and handing them to another monkey on a nearby rock, the reverse with two spotted deer and a pair of birds on a tree, beside a flared cockscomb flower and a spray of peonies growing nearby, all between single or double line fillets encircling the rim and foot, the interior decorated with a medallion enclosing a recumbent celestial horse below the moon, within a single line border repeated at the rim, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark

There are some light scratches on the interior, a tiny iron spot outside the rim and minor specks on the interior. The base has a few short firing lines (longest only approx. 0.4 cm), typical burst air bubbles and glaze gaps. Apart from this the bowl is in very good condition.
"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."