Depending on when the lady inherited it, yes it does matter. I have bougth antiquities, and when I realized what they were, I called the respective museums, and asked them if they wanted it back. When i explain the provenance (how I got the object), I was permitted to keep it. People whose family have had things like scrimshaw, ivory, and walrus tusks, suddenly are concerned if it's "legal" - when it has been int heir family for 200 years... don't spout unless you know. If the Chinese government said the bowl was taken when a museum was looted, it's hers.

Your right. The owner does not need a license to "obtain" it. THEY OWN IT. Possession is 9/10 of the law unless of course someone can prove it has been stolen. In this case nobody has come forward stating it was stolen and from where. At least attempt to be happy for this person rather than assuming the worst for them.

bullshit

This may be a landmark watershed event now that people know what they can expect from such an appraisal. I now think, more and more, such items will begin to be exposed with similar or greater values. In this economy, people may be unloading things out of desperation just to make ends meet.

The Chinese are becoming more and more wealthy so if someone wants to return it to a collection on Chinese soil then I would encourage them to buy the bowl when it is offered for sale.

You are welcome to buy and own any artifacts from America so why is it wrong for Americans to buy or collect artifacts from China? You ought to know how Chinese dealers sold thousands of jade, bronze, and ceramics which were once in the collection of Emperor QianLong. They were bought legally according to Chinese laws at the time (1910-1950) so don't assume artifacts were stolen. Fortunately in the USA we are innocent unless proven guilty.