宋 定窰白釉獅子捧蓮高足爐

raised on a stepped pedestal, the compressed globular cup boldly carved and incised around the exterior in relief with lotus leaves, supported on a hollow stem molded with four crouching lions, covered overall in a lightly crackled ivory-tinted glaze pooling in the recesses, the pedestal with characteristic 'tear' marks, the rim bound in metal

The rare vessel in very good general condition. The rim bound in white metal and so not examined, although it is likely reduced. Several firing cracks, primarily to the lions and to where they are attached to the vessel and approximately 8 light hairlines to the same area of the vessel, in between the lions. A 10mm rim crack. Several further firing cracks and faint hairlines visible elsewhere. Kiln grit adhered to the underside and to the interior o
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.

'Ding' vessels of this form are extremely rare, and the combination of four lions molded below the carved and incised overlapping petals is an exceptional example of the virtuosity and playfulness of the 'Ding' potters.  

A 'Ding' stemcup of closely related form and carving but without the metal bound rim from the collection of Sir Alan and Lady Barlow and now in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, is illustrated in Michael Sullivan, Chinese Ceramics, Bronzes and Jades in the Collection of Sir Alan and Lady Barlow, London, 1963, pl. 61c.