明萬曆 五彩荷塘鴛鴦紋小盌 《大明萬曆年製》款

with low rounded sides resting on a tapered foot, the exterior freely painted with pairs of mandarin ducks and other birds in a lotus pond among waterweeds, decorated to the interior with a central medallion enclosing four ruyi heads around a cash coin within line borders, the base with a six-character reign mark within a double circle

John E. Warmington (1900-70年)收藏 ，至1962年
倫敦蘇富比1962年7月17日，編號38 (£62)
Bluett & Sons Ltd，倫敦，1962年 (£62)
羅傑琵金頓(1928-69年)收藏，自1962年(£125)

The bowl is in good condition except for a polished area of 2.2 cm to the mouthrim, and a 'Y'-shaped star crack to the centre of the wall, the lines measuring approx. 1.2 and 1.5 cm respectively.
"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."

繪蓮池鴛鴦題材小盌罕有，可比一極近萬曆作例，同落萬曆年款，售於紐約蘇富比2010年9月15日，編號240。此類鴛鴦成對，戲水蓮池紋樣，於明代頗為盛行，因其寓意婚姻和美、多子多福之美願。