北宋 耀州窰青釉刻纏枝牡丹紋執壺

the cylindrical body supported by a spreading foot, with canted shoulders set with a loop handle opposite a curved spout and flanked by two small strap loops, the long waisted neck rising to an everted rim, the exterior carved all around with scrolling peony, covered overall with a thin olive-green glaze stopping at the base

It is most likely that the foot has been slightly reduced and reworked, with a polished out chip to one side. There is an approx. 1cm by 8mm chip to the side of the right side of the body and there are areas of earth encrustation to part of the spout, handle, neck and rim. There is some crackle to the glaze throughout.
"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."

陝西省銅川市耀州窰博物館收藏一例，器形相近，帶兩壺耳，曾展於《耀州瓷精品》，大阪市立東洋陶瓷美術館，1997年，編號73。同展另見一例，刻相近花卉紋飾，編號74；另可比兩例，圖見Jan Wirgin，《Sung Ceramic Design》，斯德哥爾摩，1970年，圖版3a-b，其一為日内瓦鮑氏收藏，其二現藏三藩市亞洲藝術博物館Avery Brundage收藏，壺身較矮而闊；例三為玫茵堂藏，圖見康蕊君著《玫茵堂中國陶瓷》，倫敦，1994年，卷1，圖版423。另比一例，飾大朵花卉，曾展於《關氏所藏宋代陶瓷》，香港藝術館，香港，1994年，編號79。