A RARE BLUE, WHITE AND GREEN 'LOTUS' JAR MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

based on Chenghua period pieces, the ovoid body boldly painted with six vivid cobalt-blue lotus flower heads borne on blue-outlined foliate scrolls, the scrolls further enamelled in green, all between upright and pendant blue lappets collaring the short yellow-enamelled neck and skirting the foot, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark in cobalt blue

Acquired in Paris, 1984.

There is a short vertical firing crack along the neck and a few horizontal firing cracks across the luting line (the longest 4 cm). But the overall condition is still quite good with only some light surface scratches.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Two closely related examples of slightly smaller proportions, in the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, are published in Mingdai guanyao ciqi, Shanghai, 2007, pls 1-100 and 1-101. Another jar of very similar form and design appears to be in the  collection of the Museé Guimet, Paris, by repute.

This jar is a close imitation of Chenghua originals which were often  inscribed with a tian mark on the base; see one illustrated in The Complete Works of Chinese Ceramics, vol. 13, pt. II, Shanghai, 2000, pl. 74 ; and two further jars, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Special Exhibition of Ch'eng-Hua Porcelain, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1976, cat. nos 159 and 160. Yeh Pei-Lan in Gems of the Doucai, Taipei, 1993, p. 150, notes that Wanli doucai wares were mainly in the Chenghua style in terms of the shape and design as Chenghua porcelain was considered to be of the highest quality and thus of great significance.

A related jar decorated in bright polychrome enamels with a scrolling lotus between lappet borders, with a Wanli reign mark and of the period, from the collection of Sir David Harrel, was sold in our London rooms, 19^th June 2002, lot 43; and another, from the Saint Louis Art Museum, was sold at Christie's New York, 30^th March 2005, lot 340.