Lot 399. A fine and rare 'Yaozhou' lamp, Song dynasty (960-1279); 14cm., 5 1/2 in. Estimate 4,000—6,000 GBP. Lot Sold 5,000 GBP. Photo courtesy Sotheby's 2008.

the body of pear shape raised on a high spreading stepped foot, carved in high relief around the lower body with four large lotus petals divided by smaller pierced petals, the main body freely and finely carved with a broad leafy band of undulating fruiting grapevine, covered overall in an olive-green glaze save for a narrow band at the rim. 

Note: The pear-shaped form of the present lamp is unusual while the scrolling grapevine and floral motif make this piece particularly rare. The lower body of the vessel together with the raised foot is reminiscent of an incense burner of this same form, from the Yaozhou Ware Museum, included in the exhibition The Masterpieces of Yaozhou Ware, Yamaguchi Kenritsu Hagi Bijutsukan, Yamaguchi, 1997, cat. no. 80.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 05 Nov 08. London