A SMALL BLACK-GLAZED 'OIL SPOT' BOWL SONG DYNASTY

the deep rounded sides supported on a short, neatly finished foot, the interior rising to a straight but slightly indented rim, covered overall with a lustrous black-brown glaze suffused with glittering silvery 'oil spots' of circular form and varying sizes, the foot dressed with a purplish, dark brown slip, Japanese box (4)

Mayuyama & Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, acquired between 1960 -1969.

The bowl has a firing flaw approximately 1/8 in. long to the rim. There is a 1/4 in. small firing crack to the foot. There are the expected scattered burst air bubbles to the glaze, otherwise the bowl is in good condtion.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Two similar bowls are illustrated in Robert D. Mowry, Hare's Fur, Tortoiseshell, and Partridge Feathers, Cambridge, MA., 1996, no. 43a & b, pp. 148-9. The author mentions that the present type of bowl is most likely made at Xiaoyu cun kilns, Hauiren, Shaanxi.  He observes that dark colored slip applied to buff colored body on the foot is inspired by the 'oil-spot' bowls made at the Jian Kilns in Fujian which had naturally dark bodies.