A 'QINGBAI' STEMCUP AND STAND SONG DYNASTY

delicately-potted, the deep cup with six lobed sides rising to a conforming foliate rim, supported on a splayed foot, the stand with a stepped, dished rim, centered by a raised tapering platform with galleried rim, all resting on a spreading pedestal foot, covered overall in a pale blue translucent glaze, Japanese wood box

The cup has frits, tiny chips and two hairline cracks extending from the rim and two chips on the foot. The surface is worn and with crazing. The stand with fritting along the rim and wear to the surface.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The delicate potting and elegantly design of the present cup and stand were originally inspired by silver and gold prototypes. The porcelain versions were often preferred over the metal ones for tea drinking as the ceramic body retained the heat of the beverage and yet could be held without burning the hand. A similar cup (lacking the foliate rim) and stand was excavated in 1965 in Nancheng counted, dated to 1057, and is illustrated in Dated Qingbai Wares of the Song and Yuan Dynasties, Hong Kong, 1998, p. 45, no. 13. Compare also a cup and stand in the Victoria and Albert Museum London illustrated in of a similar stand in silver see Song Yun: Sichuan Yao Cang Wenwu Jicui (The Charm of Song: Cultural Artefacts from Hoards in Sichuan), Beijing, 2006, p. 135.