A BLUE AND WHITE SQUARE ‘BOYS’ WATER CONTAINER MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

of square section, potted with four straight sides rising to a mouthrim of corresponding form, each side painted in rich cobalt-blue tones with a rectangular panel enclosing a scene of four boys amidst a garden setting engaged in various leisurely activities, including playing chess and the zither (qin), all below a key-fret band encircling the mouthrim, the base with a six-character reign mark within a double circle, acrylic cover

Hirano Kotoken, Tokyo.

The mouthrim has minor characteristic fritting and a shallow flake of approx. 1 cm, adjacent to a small burst air bubble with a related short body line. There are some branched underglaze stained body lines especially along the luting lines. The interior similarly has a few firing lines along the luting lines. The foot has some glaze pulls and burst air bubbles, with the largest glaze loss measuring about 0.5 cm. With the exception of some scattered pinpricks, 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."