A 'MARBLED' PILLOW AND A ‘YAOZHOU’ CELADON BOX AND COVER FIVE DYNASTIES AND SONG DYNASTY

the pillow of ruyi form, the top centred with a marbled lozenge surrounded by a diapered ground of various geometric patterns extending onto the sides, all against a green ground highlighted with a slight iridescence; the box and cover of circular form, the cover carved with peony blooms borne on curling foliate scrolls, the short sides detailed with a border of leafy veins repeated on the box, the exterior save the base applied overall with a lustrous olive-green glaze

The pillow: Acquired in Hong Kong, 15th July 1987.

There is a thin rectangular burst bubble, approx 0.4 x 0.1 cm, to the interior edge of the lower part of the Yue box. There are natural glaze crackles extending perpendicularly from the rim and a few small iron spots faintly visible from the catalogue illustration. The pillow has extensive iridescence and calcification to the surface as visible in the catalogue photo. There is general surface wear and bruising to the extremities.
"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."

See a similar pillow from the collection of Jin Ming, illustrated in Geng Baochang, Selection of Plates of Porcelainwares Collected by Jin Ming, Beijing, 1994, pl. 6.