清乾隆 青花纏枝蓮紋缽

well potted with deep tapering sides supported on a rounded base, the exterior painted in cobalt-blue with large lotus blossoms wreathed by meandering leafy scrolls issuing smaller lotus buds and curling tendrils below a stylised pendent lappet band, a 'classic scroll' band circling the rim

The mouthrim has been polished, possibly part of the original production. The inner unglazed mouthrim has a few shallow flakes. There is a star crack to the glaze of approx. 4 cm to the interior, but it does not pass through to the exterior. There is also some surface wear and scratches to the body, especially the underside of the bowl. Otherwise the bowl is in overall good condition.
"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."

Delicately painted with a leafy lotus scroll, this alms bowl is unusual for its large size; a related example but of slightly smaller size, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Blue and White Porcelain with Underglaze Red (III), Shanghai, 2000, pl. 142, where it is mentioned that according to the Qianlong Jishidang [Records of Qianlong], in the third year of the Qianlong reign, corresponding to 1738, the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen received an order for an alms bowl painted in underglaze blue in the style of the Xuande period (1424-1435), p. 156. Another slightly smaller bowl of this type, was sold in our New York rooms, 12th June 1984, lot 305; and a third was sold at Christie’s New York, 24th March 2011, lot 1678.