A LARGE PURPLE-SPLASHED LAVENDER-GLAZED 'JUN' NARCISSUS BOWL EARLY MING DYNASTY

of shallow circular form, the rounded sides gently curving down to a flat recessed base supported on three ruyi-shaped feet, the mouthrim decorated with a band of evenly spaced bosses between two narrow raised bands, above a further band of bosses above the feet, the glaze on the interior of a milky-blue colour, the exterior of a vivid purple thinning to a mushroom tone on the bosses, the thick glaze coagulating in droplets around the exterior, the base covered in a brown dressing and incised with the character yi ('one')

The bowl has been cleanly broken into two halves along the diameter. It was repaired with rivets at one point but now has been professional restored with minor retouched flakes especially to the rim and one foot.
"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."

For a detailed discussion of 'Jun' narcissus bowls, see the footnote of a closely related lavender-glazed example in this sale, lot 3602, where it is pointed out that 'Jun' vessels of this type are made in different sizes, with those incised with the character yi ('one') commonly believed to be the largest, but the significance of the inscriptions remains an enigma.