A RARE 'LONGQUAN' CELADON LOBED 'TWIN FISH' BASIN EARLY MING DYNASTY

of circular form, robustly potted with shallow upright sides rising to a six-lobed rim, the interior deftly carved with two fish swimming amid an array of delicate water weeds, the medallion enclosed by a band of foliate scrolls, the walls of the interior incised with rows of undulating waves, the exterior with a single raised filet around the center, applied overall with a rich sea-foam green glaze, the circular ring on the flat base unglazed and burnt orange in the firing, Japanese wood box

The basin is in overall good condition. There are burst glaze bubbles and iron spots as well as expected 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.

Basins of this form are rare, particularly with a carved interior.  A basin of similar size, carved with a pair of fish but with fourteen lobes and dated to the 14th / 15th century, in the National Palace Museum is illustrated in Green-Longquan Celadon of the Ming Dynasty, Taipei, 2009, pp. 242-243, no. 132. An eight-lobed example dated to the Hongwu period with four fish from the Longquan Celadon Museum is illustrated in Longquan Ware: Chinese Celadon Beloved of the Japanese, Aichi Prefecture Ceramic Museum, 2012, Seto, p. 116, no. 145.