A 'JIZHOU' 'PRUNUS AND MOON' BOWL SONG DYNASTY

of conical form with a slightly inverted rim, spontaneously painted to the interior in translucent amber splashes with occasional transmuted beige spots forming an abstract prunus branch and the moon, all against a mottled caramel-black ground, the exterior covered with a variegated glaze of black and russet-brown, falling short of the foot to reveal the buff-coloured stoneware body

Two sections of the mouthrim have been retouched with spray, probably to conceal two a couple of small shallow flakes. There are also some typical glaze flakes and characteristic firing imperfections.
"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."

This bowl is accompanied by a hakogaki by Tadanari Mitsuoka (1907-1994), former head curator at the Nezu Museum and Yamato Bunkakan. For 'Jizhou' bowls of this type, see several examples in the Palace Museum collection, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Porcelain of the Song Dynasty (II), Beijing, 1996, pls 226-230.