A BLUE AND WHITE 'PEACOCK' DISH YUAN DYNASTY

the stoutly potted shallow body supported on a wedge-shaped foot, painted to the interior with a medallion enclosing a peacock perched on a knotty branch of flowering peonies, encircled by a classic scroll band at the rim, the exterior with an undulating leafy lotus scroll band above a lotus-lappet band, the footrim and base unglazed

The dish is in good overall condition with the exception of a 5mm. wide area of kiln grit adhered to the side of the foot; a 5mm. and an 8mm. wide shallow chip to the edge of the footring; a 13mm. wide crescent-shaped flake to the rim, together with an associated 1.5cm. long hairline glaze crack; a 1mm. diam. glaze pull to the centre of the medallion; light fritting to the rim; and light glaze scratches and minor glaze rubbing to the interior.
"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."

It is unusual to find a peacock among the decoration of these small dishes which usually are painted with simple flower motifs only. Dishes of this type must have provided the inspiration for Middle Eastern earthenware copies such as those illustrated in John Carswell, Sin in Syria, Iran, vol.XVII, 1979, pls. XIV and XVI.