A BLACK LACQUER BOWL AND COVER MING DYNASTY

with deep rounded sides of the exterior deeply and densly carved through layers of black lacquer sandwiching two thin red layers, with two rows of upright guri pommels, above a row of smaller inverted ruyi-shaped pommels skirting the foot, all on a slightly tapered foot, fitted with a hemispherical domed cover similarly carved with pommels centred with a small flat knop, the interiors lacquered in red 

The red lacquer inside has a few flakes that have been stabilised and with some retouching to the inner raised rim. Beside this the condition of the bowl and cover is quite 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."

A cinnabar-lacquer bowl of slightly smaller dimensions was included in the exhibition Im Zeichen des Drachen, Museum für Lackkunst, Munster, cat. no. 36, from the Fritz Low-Beer collection. See also a slightly larger circular shallow bowl, decorated with two rows of pommel scrolls above a wide classic scroll band, included in the exhibition From Innovation to Conformity, Bluett and Sons, London, 1989, p. 58, cat. no. 20, where it is mentioned that bowls of this type recall 15^th century blue and white porcelain bowls.

Compare also a bowl of slightly larger dimensions, from the collection of Colonel MacEwan and included in the Exhibition of Chinese Art, Burlington Fine Arts Club, London, 1915, case B, no. 9, sold at Christie's London, 10^th December 1990, lot 136, and again, 1/3^rd may 1994, lot 553; and another similar bowl from the Edward T. Chow collection sold in these rooms, 11^th April 2008, lot 2944.

Song dynasty guri lacquer cups may have served as the inspiration for later vessels of this type; see a black lacquer cup, the interior lined with copper plated silver,  with deep and forceful carving, illustrated in Lee Yu-kuan, Oriental Lacquer Art, New York and Tokyo, 1971, pl. 30.