with the globular body rising from three short cabriole legs, covered overall with a pale greyish-celadon glaze, the feet unglazed revealing the dark grey stoneware body

Acquired in Hong Kong on 7th May 1988. 

The glaze is somewhat discoloured but overall condition is otherwise very good with only slight glaze wear to the feet. There are also some original firing imperfections including firing lines along the luting lines.
"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."

Two related waterpots of similar form from the Jiaotanxia kilns were sold in our London rooms, one with a dropper, 7th June 1994, lot 298, and one without, 9th June 1992, lot 136. See also a Longquan 'Guan-imitation' example, from the collection of Mizuno Seiichi, sold in our New York rooms, 17th-18th March 2015, lot 183.

Waterpots of similar form but without droppers are illustrated in Selected Far Eastern Art in the Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, 1970, no. 313; in the Kempe Collection Catalogue, Stockholm, 1964, no. 134; and another in Mayuyama, Seventy Years, Tokyo, 1976, vol. 1, no. 467.