A WHITE STONEWARE FLASK LIAO DYNASTY, 10TH CENTURY

after a leather prototype, the lower bulbous section rising from a flattened base to a tapered top, the upper part terminating in a flat bracket-lobed flange and an upright circular spout with everted lip, the flange pierced with a hole, covered overall with white slip and a transparent ivory-tinged glaze stopping short of the base to reveal the white body

There are several chips to the triangular edge, and small chips along the edge of the base.
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.

This flask is rather unusual, as flasks of this type usually have a more rounded and narrow lower section, but the present vase has a much more angular shape, with a flatter base. A flask of almost identical form but slightly smaller size, from the Idemitsu Museum of Art, Tokyo, was sold in our London rooms, 11th May 2011, lot 8.