A RARE RED LACQUER FOLIATE-RIMMED DISH SOUTHERN SONG DYNASTY, 13TH CENTURY

the delicately-lobed and rounded sides rising from a recessed base to a barbed rim divided into eight bracket foliations, the interior with radiating ribs extending from a slight recess of conforming shape in the centre, applied overall with a rich crimson-red lacquer, except for the base and the broad footring lacquered in black

There is an old minute chip to one of the tips (located at 1 o'clock). The dish is otherwise in overall quite good condition, with some relacquering to the base and light surface crackling in areas revealing a darker lacquer layer underneath.
"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."

Plain lacquer wares of the Song dynasty are amongst the most beautiful and delicate pieces known in this media. The present dish is striking for its deep red colour and simple yet elegant organic form. It is not only most pleasing to the eye but is also surprisingly light and thin when held in one's hand. This dish is the work of a highly skilled craftsman who has created a masterpiece that represents the refined taste of the Song elite literati.  

A very similar eight-lobed red lacquer dish, from the Sedgwick collection, was sold in our London rooms, 15th October 1968, lot 56. Compare also a slightly smaller six-lobed dish of this type with a black lacquer base illustrated in Lee Yu-kuan, Oriental Lacquer Art, Tokyo, 1972, p. 118, pl. 52, where it is noted that the two characters on the base represent the alias of a man who apparently withdrew from society to study and meditate. A rare brownish-black eight lobed lacquer dish, from a noble Japanese family collection formed prior to World War II, was offered in these rooms, 8th October 2010, lot 2638; and a seven-lobed red lacquer dish (or perhaps a stand), from the Dubosc collection, was included in the Eskenazi exhibition Chinese Lacquer from the Jean-Pierre Dubosc Collection and Others, London, 1992, cat. no. 8.

Further examples of undecorated Song dynasty lacquer dishes of varying lobed form were included in the exhibition So Gen no bijutsu, Nezu Institute of Fine Arts, Tokyo, 2004, cat. nos. 17-20. Eight-lobed lacquer dishes continued to be popular during the Yuan dynasty, when they were carved with the popular 'bird and flower' design;  for example, see a slightly larger dish carved with the 'peacock and peony' motif included in the Special Exhibition of Palace Lacquer Objects, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1981, cat. no. 5.