明十五世紀初 龍泉青釉纏枝花卉紋盌

with deep rounded sides supported on a slightly tapered foot, boldly carved to the exterior with large lotus, peony, chrysanthemum and camellia flowers and buds borne on leafy stems, the foot encircled by a keyfret band, the interior similarly decorated with a composite floral scroll encircling a peony spray roundel, applied overall with a rich celadon-green glaze save for an unglazed buff-coloured ring on the base

The bowl is in good condition with the exception of a slight warp in firing,. a 2mm., glaze flake to the rim, a line of pooling glaze running a little below the rim on the interior, minor glaze firing imperfections including a glaze pull to the interior and an iron-spot to the exterior and light glaze scratches.
"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."

A bowl of this form, but caved with a peony scroll, in the Idemitsu Museum of Arts, Tokyo, is illustrated in Chinese Ceramics in the Idemitsu Collection, Tokyo, 1987, pl. 604. Compare also two related bowls of smaller proportions sold in these rooms, 25th May 1984, lot 332, and the other, 14th May 1983, lot 461.

This rare bowl represents the adoption of shapes and decoration of contemporary blue and white porcelain of Jingdezhen by the Longquan potters. Due to the increasing popularity of the Jingdezhen wares, it appears that the Longquan craftsmen adapted the more delicate forms and complicated designs to their own technique of potting and carving. Although sturdier in construction, the present bowl bears a resemblance to lianzi bowls, while the carved flower scroll mirrors the decoration found on blue and white bowls of the Yongle and Xuande reigns.