AN INSCRIBED YIXING STONEWARE GILT-LACQUER DECORATED 'GOLDFISH AND LOTUS' TEAPOT AND COVER QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH CENTURY

of Wendan type, the exterior decorated in low relief and highlighted in gilt with a swimming goldfish and a clump of lotus flower and leaves, the reverse with a poetic verse, the base with an inscription

good condition
"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."

Compare a teapot of similar form and decoarted in low relief with a pair of Buddhist lions playing with a ball wrapped in ribbons, in the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Dresden, published in Patrice Valfre, Yixing. Teapots for Europe, Poligny, 2000, pl. 210, together with European versions of various forms, pls 289-307.

Wendan may possibly refer to Li Wendan, after whom Wendan teapots are known, but in the absence of clear historical records it is difficult to be precise.