A 'CIZHOU' SGRAFFIATO BLACK-GLAZED BOTTLE VASE, YUHUCHUN PING SONG / JIN DYNASTY |

the pear-shaped body supported on a spreading foot and rising to a waisted neck and flared rim, covered overall in white slip overlaid with a brilliant brownish-black glaze, the central band around the body with the glaze cut away to reveal reserve-decorated leafy floral sprays, between similarly carved bands of foliate scroll, the recessed foot unglazed

This vase is in overall good condition,with the exception of some firing imperfections, including burst bubbles and glaze pulls. There is a small shallow chip to the rim (approx. 1 x 0.4 cm).
"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."

Elegantly modelled with a gently flaring neck, this vase is notable for its bold and fluidly carved motif of large blooms and curling leaves, set between two bands of delicately incised leafy scrolls. It is a particularly unusual example as the motif is carved against the buff-coloured body.  Vases of this type, but displaying a layer of white slip under the black slip, are known carved with a wide variety of floral motifs; compare a vase with a lotus flower on the central band, attributed to the Xixia Dynasty (1038-1227), from the Hong Rui Tang collection, sold in these rooms, 12^th December 1989, lot 250; one with a peony scroll, in the Meiyintang collection, illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 3 (II), London, 2006, pl. 1526; another with a lotus scroll, in the Osaka Municipal Museum of Arts, included in the Museum’s exhibition Charm of Black & White Ware; Transition of Cizhou Type Wares, Osaka, 2002, cat. no. 147; and a fourth vase with lotus sprays within cartouches, in the Ehime Bunkakan, Imabari, illustrated in Mayuyama: Seventy Years, Tokyo, 1976, vol. 1, pl. 596.