Lot 2933
  • 2933

A BLUE AND WHITE 'CONCH' WATER-DROPPER MING DYNASTY, MID-15TH CENTURY

Estimate
150,000 - 200,000 HKD
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Description

the water vessel moulded as a conch supported on a splayed foot, set to one side with a short spout in the form of a leaping fish, and to the other a handle in the form of the endless knot , the conch decorated with a band of beads suspending further beaded tassels around the sides, the short neck embellished by the wheel of law below the cylindrical mouth   

Provenance

Collection of Edward T. Chow.

Condition

The glaze is degraded in some areas, particuarly at the spout and a large area surrounding the spout. There is fritting to the edges of the wheel as well as some firing cracks to the handle which are original to the piece. There is also a 1.5cm area which possibly may have been ground down at the exterior edge of the foot. The actual color of the piece is actually less purple than the illustration in the catalogue. The overall condition is good.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The present piece is the prototype for later water-droppers of the same form and design.  See a Yongzheng example with an apocryphal Xuande mark, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Blue and White Porcelain with Underglaze-red, vol. III, Beijing, 2000, pl. 87.