A LARGE FAMILLE-VERTE BISCUIT 'SEA HORSE' DISH QING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY |

the interior painted with four horses of aubergine, yellow, and white, frolicking over a green ground of swirling water interspersed with imposing white cresting waves amid scattered auspicious emblems and flowers around a central aubergine conch, the exterior with further foaming waves crashing against mountain peaks, the white biscuit base with a thin transparent glaze and the foot ring left undressed

Collection of Ruth Henschel.
Sotheby's New York, 16^th January 1976, lot 307.
Ralph M. Chait Galleries, New York.

With two small chips to the exterior rim, each with associated hairline cracks running almost the length of the side. A small patch of grey paint spatter on the rim as well. Throughout the dish there are firing flaws including burst glaze bubbles and adhered kiln grit; minor wear and surface scratches also present.
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 related dish is illustrated in Sir Michael Butler et al, Seventeenth Century Chinese Porcelain from the Butler Family Collection, Alexandria, 1990, pl. 124, where it is also mentioned that this type of decoration was first employed in the 1640s but more often on bowls, and continued to be used through the end of the century. Another similar example can be found in the Grandidier collection of Musée Guimet, Paris, inventory no. G478.