A LARGE BLUE AND WHITE 'LOTUS' BOWL MARK AND PERIOD OF JIAJING

the deep rounded sides rising from a slightly tapered foot to a flared rim, the exterior decorated in various tones of cobalt-blue with a continuous band of lotus blossoms borne on an undulating scroll issuing stylised curling leaves, all above a band of upright stylised ruyi-shaped lappets bordering the bowl, the interior centred with a medallion enclosing four lotus blossoms wreathed in trefoil leaves issuing from a thin stem, the countersunk base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within a double-circle

A private Japanese collection.

The bowl is slightly warped and there is a kiln grit of approx. 0.6 cm to the exterior. The mouthrim also has an approx. 0.5 cm glaze bruise and minor wear. The overall condition is otherwise very good with only some typical stained burst air bubbles, scattered glaze pulls, short underglaze bodylines and iron spots.
"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 closely related bowl, but decorated above the foot with a band of ruyi-heads, from the Ottoman Court Collection, is illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum. Istanbul, vol. 2, London, 1986, pl. 944, together with two larger bowls painted in underglaze blue with chrysanthemum and peony scrolls, pls. 943 and 945; and a smaller bowl was sold in our New York rooms, 15th September 2010, lot 239. Compare also a slightly smaller bowl painted with a similar scroll and the babao, included in the exhibition Chinese Porcelain. The S.C. Ko Tianminlou Collection, vol. 1, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1987, cat. no. 39.