A LARGE FAMILLE-VERTE 'WATER MARGIN' DISH QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD |

with shallow, gently rounded sides rising from a short, straight foot, boldly enameled with an animated scene depicting the warrior Wu Song fighting a tiger, beneath a full moon, all encircled by a narrow band of leafing peony blooms on a green stippled ground reserving auspicious symbols, the reverse plain save for a border of petal lappets encircling the foot, coll. no. 1538

Priestley & Ferraro Chinese Art, London, 2005.

A V-shaped restored break measuring apprx. 1 in. across the rim with an associated hairline crack measuring apprx. 2 in., a small restored chip to the rim and fritting. Expected wear and some minor losses to the enamels.
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.

Depictions of tigers are relatively rare on Chinese porcelain. The present dish illustrates a well-known episode from the famous novel The Water Margin in which one of characters, Wu Song, in a drunken stupor, manages to defeat a vicious tiger with his bare hands. His bravery is lauded and rewarded by the locals who had lived in fear of the animal.