A RARE LARGE BLUE AND SANCAI-GLAZED POTTERY BASIN TANG DYNASTY

carved in the center with a large floral medallion in blue, amber and cream glazes on an amber ground, accented in wax-resist arcs and stipples at the cavetto, the exterior glazed amber stopping before the flat base to show the pinkish buff ware

Acquired in Hong Kong, early 1980s.

The basin is in good overall condition and showed no fluorescence under UV light. The edge of the rim with 3 inches where the glaze is worn, and two very shallow chips, the largest 2/3 inch. The three circular spur marks on the interior have been repainted, and the entire interior sprayed, to blend in with the design. One tiny glaze chip on the interior. The colors are consistent with the catalogue illustration.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Of all sancai wares produced comparatively few are enhanced with cobalt blue. The major kiln associated with its ability to produce the best quality sancai and blue-glazed wares and figures are the kilns at Huangye, Gongyi, Henan. For a shard of similar form and decoration see Three-Colour Glazed Pottery Kilns of the Tang Dynasty at Huangye, Henan Province, 2000, col. pl. no. 10-3, sample no. 1053. Compare a sancai basin of this shape and size with almost identical blue-splashed decoration on the side of its interior and similar floral design in the center, unearthed from Sanyuan county in 1974 and presently kept in the Sanyuan County Museum, Shaanxi province, illustrated in National Treasure Collection of Rare Cultural Relics of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, 1998, pl. 10.