A RARE SGRAFFIATO CIZHOU-TYPE MEIPING NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY

of tall ovoid form surmounted by a short constricted neck and conical mouth, the body with a broad central register of trellis superimposed on large interlinked cash, between a stylised foliate scroll on the rounded shoulder and a band of lappets enclosing trefoils around the foot, all against a 'fish-roe' ground, the decoration all piercing the cream-coloured slip to show the greyish-brown body beneath, covered with a clear glaze

Sotheby's London, 9th June 1992, lot 134.

The vase is in overall good condition, with just minor chips to the unglazed area of the foot and insignificant bruises and surface wear to the body. Slight rubbing to the slip, especially around the mouth.
"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."

A similar meiping carved with a foliate scroll, a cash-diaper design and a petal border, but lacking the floral sprigs around the foot was included in the exhibition catalogue Freedom of Clay and Brush through Seven Centuries in Northern China: Tz'u-chou Type Wares, 960-1600 A.D., 1980, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, cat. no. 27, where it is attributed to the Northern Song dynasty.