A RARE BLUE AND WHITE WASHER 17TH CENTURY

the short flaring sides rising from an angled base and short straight foot, painted in underglaze cobalt-blue to the interior with an eight line calligraphic inscription from the Zhu Zizhi Jia Ge Yan, the base with two-character Yuan He mark

This washer is generally in good condition, but there is some glaze inconsistencies, minor scratching, burst pin hole bubbles and small iron spots to the interior. The exterior well has four (6cm) areas with numerous scratches.
"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."

The Zhu Zizhi Jia Ge Yan was written by Zhu Yongchun (1617-1688) extolling Confucian values for the Zhu Zizhi family. The inscription may be translated as:

Rise at dawn, sweep and tidy the house until it is clean inside out. Rest at dusk, lock the doors, and behave. Every single grain of rice, (we) should acknowledge that they are not easy to come by. Every single thread on textile, (we) must often contemplate on the difficulty in their manufacture. (One) should plan before the rain comes, and not dig a well only when one feels thirsty.