A BLUE AND WHITE 'FISH' FIVE-LOBED BASIN MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

of cinquefoil section, robustly potted with rounded sides rising to a flattened everted mouthrim, the exterior painted in inky tones of cobalt-blue with the bajixiang borne on lingzhi on a continuous leafy scroll, all below lingzhi scrolls bordering the underside of the rim, the interior with fish swimming amidst pondweed and rippling currents, the unglazed base centred with a medallion enclosing an underglaze-blue six-character reign mark within a double circle

An old Japanese collection, probably Edo period (1603-1868, box).
Hirano Kotoken, Tokyo.

The basin has typical fritting, especially to the rim, and related flakes (max. approx. 0.4 cm). There is a polished kiln grit to the interior of approx. 1 cm. Apart from some unevenness to the cobalt and the glaze, as well as surface scratches, the overall condition 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."

Basins decorated with this charming scene of fish swimming amongst reeds provided the craftsman with the perfect opportunity to display his proficiency with the subject: the fish are depicted in a number of turning and twisting poses in swirling water, successfully capturing the lively movement. It is rare to find basins rendered with this scene in underglaze blue although wucai versions are more commonly known. For an example sold at auction, see a basin enamelled with a closely related design in underglaze-blue, brown, green and black, sold in our London rooms, 13th May 1969, lot 95. Compare a basin of this type, depicting six small fish swimming around a large central carp in underglaze blue, the exterior decorated with two lotus scroll borders interspersed with the bajixiang, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Museum’s Good Fortune, Long Life, Health, and Peace: A Special Exhibition of Porcelains with Auspicious Designs, Taipei, 1995, cat. no. 78; and its wucai counterparts, such as one illustrated in Mayuyama. Seventy Years, vol. 1, Tokyo, 1976, pl. 919; and another sold in our London rooms, 15th December 1987, lot 161.

Scenes of fish swimming amongst water reeds was a popular ink painting subject from the Song dynasty (960-1279) and its association with Daoism is known from the compilation of Zhuangzi, a text with origins dating back to the late 5th century BC, where fish were a frequent subject of allegories. One of the earliest and most important artists working in this genre, Liu Cai, was active during the reign of the Huizong emperor (r. 1101-25) who was one of China’s greatest patrons of the arts as well as one of its most fervent Daoist rulers. Thus, Daoist motifs were incorporated into the decorative repertoire of the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen as well as that of other imperial workshops.

The fish represent an image of freedom from restraints; symbols of the happy, carefree life in tune with nature that the Daoists proposed – and which for the most part was the opposite of the reality experienced by the emperor.