A BLUE AND WHITE 'DEER' BOWL, WANLI PERIOD

with steeply rounded sides and barbed everted rim, painted in rich inky blue on the exterior with eight panels enclosing differently depicted spotted deer reserved against ornamental rockwork and leafy branches, the interior with similar panels of flowering stems radiating from a central deer medallion

foot rim chip approximately 1 cm, minor rim chip 2mm crack extending from restored chip on rim down and around the base approximately 13cm
"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."

Compare with a bowl of similar design, illustrated by J. Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, p. 297, no 11:56