Lot 581. An unusual celadon-glazed bowl, Northern Song dynasty (960-1127); diameter 11 1/4 in., 28.6 cm. Estimate 4,000 — 6,000 USD. Lot sold 5,000 USD. Courtesy Sotheby's.

of shallow form, with curved sides flaring to a lipped rim, carved to the center with a bird bearing a flower sprig in its beak, encircled by a foliate scroll border with combed detail, covered overall in a crackled pale olive-green glaze, the foot rim and base unglazed.

Provenance: Bluett & Sons, London (according to label).
Sotheby's London, 11th December 1990, lot 209.

Sotheby's. Harmony of Form, Serenity of Color: A Private Collection of 'Song' Ceramics, New York, 23 march 2011