明宣德 青花靈芝紋竹節式鳥食罐 《大明宣德年製》款

skilfully potted with ridges simulating bamboo nodes with the top cut open to reveal the interiors, the exterior fitted with two small loop handles on one side and painted freely in various tones of cobalt-blue with lingzhi scrolls, the reverse inscribed with a horizontal six-character reign mark, the lobed ends decorated in cobalt-blue with a floral motif

蘇林庵收藏
香港蘇富比1995年10月31日，編號316

The handle of the reverse of the character Ming has possibly been stabilised. There is also a star crack of approx. 4 cm to one end.
"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."

可比較的一例為上海博物館館藏，見《明代官窰瓷器》，上海，2007年，圖版1-33。另有兩件竹節式鳥食罐，分別飾纏枝花卉紋和較小的繪折枝花卉紋，同於景德鎮官窰遺址出土，並展出於鴻禧美術館舉辦《景德鎮出土明宣德官窰瓷器》，台北，1998年，編號52-2及54-3。

鳥食罐盛行於明朝宮廷，且種類豐富，器形多為瓜式、竹節式等源自大自然的植物。在景德鎮官窰遺址出土器中一件石榴形鳥食罐，見同前註，編號54-1及本場拍賣編號3696，葫蘆式鳥食罐。