A Rare Blue and White Reticulated Box and Cover Ming Dynasty, Wanli Period

of circular form, the cover reticulated with a linked-coin design surrounded by a band with four panels filled with peony sprays reserved against an intricate diaper ground encircled by a key-fret band, the box similarly decorated above a double-line border encircling the straight foot, the interior revealing the glaze of a greyish-blue tone, the base covered in a transparent glaze

S. Marchant & Son, London, 2004.
Sotheby’s New York, 23rd March 2010, lot 4.

The rim of the box has two old restoration of approximately 0.9 and 5.5 cm (the latter with a slightly longer associated section covered by overpaint on the interior). There is an approximately 0.5 cm flake to the inner rim. The unglazed footring has an approximately 1 cm. flake, possibly resulting form a short firing crack. The rim of the cover also has a few flakes to the unglazed body (maximum approximately 1 cm). Both the box and cover have some typical glaze pulls, burst bubbles, firing cracks and kiln grits.
"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."