A FINE AND RARE 'JUN' TEA BOWL NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY |

the short spreading foot supporting gently rounded conical sides rising to a flared rim, evenly applied on the interior and exterior with a fine milky sky-blue glaze suffused with pale crackles and draining to a mushroom tone at the rim, the glaze pooling unevenly above the unglazed foot

Collection of Johannes Hellner, Stockholm.
Sotheby's New York, 20th March 2002, lot 106.
Collection of Francisco Capelo.
Sotheby's London, 12th May 2010, lot 149.

Francisco Capelo et. al., Forms of Pleasure. Chinese Ceramics from Burial to Daily Life, London, 2009, pl. 55.

This bowl is in very good condition, with the exception of some minor firing imperfections, including a tiny pinhole to the interior, glaze crackles throughout and some adhered grits and glaze pulls around the foot. There is also some very light surface wear. The actual colour is more of a milky sky-blue tone than the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Notable for its subtle light blue glaze, one of the most coveted glazes made at kilns in Junzhou, present-day Yuzhou, Henan province, this bowl is unusual for its elegant flared form with a gently lipped rim. A bowl of similar shape and glaze is illustrated in Michael Sullivan, Chinese Ceramics, Bronzes and Jades in the Collection of Sir Alan and Lady Barlow, London, 1963, pl. 35c; one was sold in these rooms, 9th June 2004, lot 174; another from the collection of Lord Cunliffe, included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Sung Dynasty Wares: Chün and Brown Glazes, London, 1952, cat. no. 76, was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1st October 1991, lot 717.