A CARVED 'YAOZHOU' CELADON-GLAZED 'LOTUS' BOWL NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY

finely potted with deep rounded sides rising from a straight foot, carved around the exterior with four rows of overlapping petals resembling a lotus flower, the interior carved with a plain medallion in recess in the centre, applied overall with a beautiful sea-green glaze draining to white along the petal's edges and stopping neatly around the unglazed foot, the latter applied with a transparent glaze, the neatly cut footrim left unglazed revealing a smooth light grey ware

The bowl is in good overall condition. There is some abrasion and minor flakes along the edge of the footring, likely to be original to the piece. The actual colour is somewhat less yellow, more blueish-green compared to the illustration in the catalogue.
"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 pale green glaze as found on the present bowl is extremely rare among 'Yaozhou' wares and identifies it as an early example, as this glaze colour disappeared when the kiln switched from using wood as fuel to firing with coal. Compare a pair of 'Yaozhou' flower-shaped bowls with a related glaze, sold in our London rooms, 11th May 2011, lot 1.