the angled sides flaring to a six-lobed rim from a broad base and supported on a short straight foot, crisply molded to the interior with an intricate array of peony sprigs comprised of four leafing blossoms and buds encircling a fifth lush bloom, enclosed by six further sprays of flowering peony divided by slender fillets, the reverse undecorated, covered overall in a translucent ivory white glaze subtly pooling in the recesses emphasizing the decoration and with characteristic teardrops on the underside, the rim silver bound

The dish is in overall good condition. There is expected wear to the surface, some erosion to the unglazed rim visible beneath the metal band, and the dish has been cleaned and polished.
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 molded decoration on the present dish is particularly well defined, giving the piece a rich texture and three-dimensional feel. Although the peony motif is widely found on ‘Ding’ wares, the present dish is unusual in that the design is divided into separate panels around a central meandering stem. A lobed dish of similar angle-waisted form but molded on the interior with a single peony spray enclosed by a scrolling stem, is illustrated in the National Palace Museum, Catalogue of the Special Exhibition of Ting Ware White Porcelain, Taipei, 1987, pl. 78; and a related lobed bowl formerly in the Ugarte Collection was exhibited at Mostra d'arte Cinese. [Exhibition of Chinese Art], Venice, 1954, cat. no. 544, later sold in our London rooms, 13th March 1973, lot 108 and now in the Matsuoka Museum of Art, Tokyo.  See also a mold with very similar decoration, dated to the sixth year of Taihe in the Jin Dynasty, corresponding to the year 1206 A.D., illustrated in Chugoku Toji Zenshu [Complete Book of Chinese Ceramics], vol. 9, Kyoto, 1981, pl. 130, and the modern replica ibid, pl. 160. A nearly identical dish, with the same molded pattern and size, from the Edward T. Chow Collection, was sold in these rooms, 30th March 2006, lot 31. Compare also a ‘Ding’ bowl from the Estate of Rose D. Seligsburg molded with a central floral medallion surrounded by six shaped panels enclosing flower sprays, sold in these rooms, 13th March 1975, lot 241; another one of conical form, sold in these rooms, 6th November 1981, lot 183; and one sold in our London rooms, 21st June 1983, lot 446.