A 'YUE' CELADON-GLAZED BASIN WESTERN JIN DYNASTY

the shallow rounded sides rising to a flat everted rim, the exterior with a complex series of five rouletted bands comprising an intricate band of confronting mythical beasts within a spiraling meander, between narrower bands of small striations and florets, all interrupted by three applied medallions each depicting a figure mounted on a striding bixie, the interior freely incised with a small central spiral encircled by combed waves, all resting on a plain base, concave at the center with multiple spur marks, Japanese wood box

The basin is broken and restored through the middle with two breaks extending to the rim on either side - four sections in all.
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 present basin is a fine example of this type of shallow vessel. The intricacy of the impressed design around the exterior is notable.  The three appliques of men mounted on beasts are exceptional and infuse the elegant form with a lively immediacy.  Similar basins usually feature a simple exterior decoration and are set with applied lion-mask handles. Some rest on three low feet, other examples have a large splayed foot and some, like the present, were fired on spurs.  A basin bearing many similarities but lacking the figural medallions of the present piece, uncovered in Hangzhou and now in the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, is illustrated in "Céladon grès des musées de la province du Zhejiang Chine", Paris, 2005, Catalogue, p. 87, no. 24. Another similar to the last from the Percival David Collection is illustrated in Regina Krahl and Jessica Harrison-Hall, Chinese Ceramics: Highlights of the Sir Percival David Collection, London, 2009, p. 9, fig, 1.