A Chinese blue and white reticulated hookah base Qing dynasty, Kangxi period

the double-walled globular body rising from a recessed base to a tall flanged neck with cup-shaped mouth, pierced around the exterior with ten rectangular diaper panels centred by a painted flower and divided by floral bands, the neck with vertical floral panels, the rim and flange dressed with brown glaze

Formerly at Schloss Trachenberg, Silesia.

This rare hookah base is in good condition with the exception of the cup-shaped mouth which has been cracked, broken off at the neck and restored, breaks and old restoration to one of the vertical dividing panels at the shoulder, cracks through one of the horixontal dividing panels, hairline cracks running around the luting line, and further small cracks and glaze lines to the reticulated diaper ground, the foot has a 1cm., firing crack and there are light glaze scratches.
"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."