of flattened circular form, one face liberally painted in the lively 'windswept' style, depicting three scholars engaged in a discussion, each cloaked in long belted robes and wearing an official hat, accompanied by two attendants holding a qin and a book respectively, all amongst an open landscape framed by semi barren trees, beneath a pyramidal altar surmounted by a lotus flower supporting the flaming jewels emerging from vaporous clouds

Christie's New York, 15th September 2011, lot 1477.

In overall good condition with minor fritting to the rim. There are also scratches and wear to the surface, especially near the rim. There are also firing imperfections such as iron spots and pinpricks.
"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."

This plaque is impressive for its skilled combination of pencilled lines with soft washes of underglaze blue, which creates a sense of a secluded landscape. Plaques of this type which are unglazed on the back, were often mounted as table screens and used in scholar’s studio.

A slightly smaller circular plaque painted in a similar style with the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, was sold in our London room𝓡s, 15th December 1981, lot 189; another was sold in these rooms, 1st December 1977, lot 404, and again at Christie’s New York, 18th/19th September 2014, lot 846; and a third, painted with a scene of a scholar and a lady in a garden, and with a classic scroll border, was sold in our London rooms, 1st February 1966, lot 94. See also a rectangular plaque painted with scholars in landscape, sold twice in our London rooms, 10th December 1968, lot 64, and 3rd April 1979, lot 154, and most recently at Bonhams London, 10th November 2003, lot 103, from the collection of Anthony du Boulay.