元末至明初 剔紅菊紋盤

of shallow circular form, the interior deeply carved through to the brown ground with three large naturalistic chrysanthemum blooms with multiple attendant buds borne on a leafy scroll, the exterior carved with a wide band of classic scroll cut through to reveal several layers of black

There appears to be retouching on the carving on the interior around the well. On the exterior, 1/3 of the guri carved band has been retouched, and there are a few flakes that have been restored and overpainted.
"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."

There are several characteristics that help date this dish to the 14th century, which include the exterior classic scroll having a thin line of dark lacquer separating the red from the ground and a grooved rim, which is characteristic of Yuan pieces. The spacing is also very spread out, reminiscent of Yuan wares. However, the use of a thin black line as use of a guideline near the ground is something that starts to appear in the early Ming Dynasty. 

The present lot closely resembles a dish in the Cleveland Museum of Art, included in the exhibition Hai-wai Yi-chen, Chinese Art in Overseas Collections, Lacquerware, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1987, cat. no. 56. See also a closely related dish in the Detroit Institute of Arts, with cranes on a ground of chrysanthemums, illustrated in ibid. cat. no. 60. Another related dish from the Yuan Dynasty was sold in our New York rooms 21st September 2006, lot 64.