明嘉靖 五彩八吉祥蓮紋方罐 《大明嘉靖年製》款

the square baluster body rising from a recessed base to a short neck with everted rim, brightly painted and enamelled around the exterior with the bajixiang and lotus strapwork, all between a lotus lappet band at the base and a ruyi collar, the neck with a classic scroll band, silver-inlaid wood stand

There is a circa 3cm hairline crack running from the rim down one corner on the shoulder of the jar. There are some minor shallow glaze flakes to the exterior, including one on the rim and another on the shoulder above the ruyi band, the largest area measuring 0.6x0.2cm. Apart from other minor glaze firing imperfections and surface wear, the jar is in good condition. The silver-inlaid stand is in good order, with some minor loosening to the inlays.
"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."

同款之方罐創於嘉靖一朝，講求精煉模鑄。參考一相類例，展於《天民樓藏瓷》，香港藝術館，香港，1987年，圖錄編號72，後售於香港蘇富比1986年11月19日，編號213；另有兩例售於倫敦蘇富比，其一出自Stephen D. Winkworth收藏， 1933年4月25日，編號347；另一連蓋款屬Lord Hollenden收藏，1973年11月27日，編號297；亦見兩例，售於倫敦佳士得1986年4月21日，編號412及413，前者後再售於佳士得1989年12月12日，編號309。

此紋飾題材至萬曆年依然盛行，多施用於圓罐，當中一例為《大明萬曆年製》款，見陸明華，《明代官窰瓷器》，上海，2007年，頁4-23；另有近例，光怡志堂藏，展於《爐火純青：嘉靖及萬曆官窰瓷器》，香港中文大學文物館，香港，2009年，圖錄編號107。