A LOBED SILVER REPOUSEE DISH LIAO DYNASTY, DATED TO THE DINGMAO YEAR OF THE TAIPING PERIOD, CORRESPONDING TO 1027 |

the sides worked into six rounded lobes rimmed with a beaded edge, the interior chased with a central medallion enclosing a female dancer in motion, the energetic twisting of the body emphasized by the long ribbons flowing around the body and catching the hem of the dress, surrounded by falling prunus blossoms against a ground of tiny punched rings, the perimeter of the base chased with a sixteen-character inscription dated to the dingmao year of the Taiping reign

J. J. Lally & Co., New York, 31st October 1989.
Collection of Florence (1920-2018) and Herbert (1917-2016) Irving, no. 2877.

The dish in overall good condition. There is wear overall, particularly to the base. There has been oxidization to the surface, darkening the silver and the gilt is quite worn. The surface is slightly uneven with tiny dents and has been cleaned as expected due to its age and 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.

The Taiping era (1021-1031) was the final phase of Emperor Shengzong's reign (982-1031). His reign was marked by several important military victories against the Northern Song, including the Treaty of Shanyuan in January 1005, in which the Song government agreed to pay an annual tribute of 200,000 bolts of silk and 100,000 taels of silver to the Liao. The tribute continued for the remainder of the Liao dynasty. The influx of silver into Liao hands coincides with the date of the present silver bowl.