遼 白釉盤口壺

the ovoid body tapering to a tall cylindrical neck terminating in a wide, cup-shaped mouth, the shoulder set with a short faceted spout, a single incised line encircling the body, covered overall in a creamy-white glaze stopping just short of the unglazed base and foot

There are chips to the spout and to the foot. The surface with some iron spots and bubbles; some burst others beneath the glaze. There is the expected wear to the surface.
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.

The present ewer is of a distinctive type of northern white ware; its wide funnel-like mouth an efficient means of pouring liquid from larger container to this smaller one.  A nearly identical ewer was uncovered at the site of Liao dynasty tomb in Yanghuan county, now in the Hebei Institute of Cultural Relics and illustrated in Complete Collection of Ceramic Art Unearthed in China, Hebei, vol. 3, Beijing, 2008, no. 160. Another similar ewer with a horizontally ridged neck excavated at Xingzhuang, Yanxhan County, dated Five Dynasties is illustrated ibid., no. 75. A ewer of similar form but with floral carving was sold in our London rooms 11th July 1978, lot 108. A related ewer in the Shanghai museum, included in the exhibition Chogoku rekidai toji ten, Seibu Art Museum, Tokyo, 1984, no. 40.