the cylindrical body with two rectangular panels of grisaille-painted landscapes, one depicting an elderly sage carrying a basket of lingzhi, the other showing a scholar leaning out over the water from a rustic hut, divided by prunus, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo enclosed within four smaller shaped cartouches, the neck with two rectangular reserves detailing further auspicious emblems, a three-legged toad, coral 'antiques' and a recumbent deer, all reserved on a delicately mottled, rich orange-red ground

Yvonne Costello Gould (1918-2016) 收藏，蒙特利爾，加拿大

There is an approx. 16 cm long crack to the body on one side, between the two landscape panels. There is an approx. 1.8 cm wide flake chip to the foot and a star-hairline to the base. There is some visible crazing to some of the panels and wear to the surface. Some minor firing imperfections, as can be expected.
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 prunus, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo are popularly known as the 'Four Gentlemen,' for each is said to embody the noble qualities of the ideal Confucian gentleman-scholar and together they are associated with the four seasons.