A 'JIAN' 'HARE'S FUR' TEABOWL SONG DYNASTY |

the steep, conical sides with a subtly concave band just below the tapered rim, covered in a thick, opalescent chestnut-colored glaze suffused with lustrous black streaks emanating upward in fine lines from the well and around the exterior, the glaze pooling in an uneven line issuing three thick drops revealing the dark gray stoneware body, the base incised with the two-character phrase gongyu (imperial tribute), Japanese box (3)

In overall good condition, with fine craquelure to the glazed well from firing (typical of bowls of this type).
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.

A closely related 'Jian' 'hare's fur' teabowl, but without the gongyu mark, in the collection of the Arthur M. Sackler Museum at Harvard University was exhibited in Hare's Fur, Tortoiseshell, and Partridge Feathers: Chinese Brown- and Black-Glazed Ceramics, 400-1400, Harvard University Art Museums, Cambridge, MA, 1995-1997, cat. no. 79. For a discussion of the manufacturing process of these bowls, their appreciation by Emperor Huizong (r. 1100-1126), and their use in tea ceremony, see ibid., pp. 212-214. Similar bowls carved with gongyu marks include one from the Yangdetang Collection sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30th November 2016, lot 3157; and another sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 1st-2nd June 2015, lot 589.