宋 / 金 磁州窰褐釉劃花大盌

with thick rounded sides raised on a slightly flared foot, the interior intricately incised through the creamy white slip with large peony blooms borne on a meandering scrolls, enclosed within a continuous stylised border at the rim, the exterior covered in a coffee-brown glaze, the base unglazed revealing the buff body

The bowl is very slightly warped and the glaze has extensive crackles. The mouthrim has a forked hairline of approx. 6.2 cm on the interior (only the top 1 cm passes through to the exterior). The biscuit foot has some expected minor flakes. There are also some potting and firing imperfections, including glaze pulls and gaps, kiln grits, as well as a fine shallow firing crack line across the base. The actual colour is less reddish 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."