A fine and rare small blue and white jar Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period

of compressed globular form, finely painted in bright cobalt blue with a wide band of chrysanthemums depicted in various stages of bloom, all borne on a continuous scrolling vine with verdant leaves, curling tendrils and small buds springing from attendant vines, all set between pendant and upright lappets collaring the low neck and the skirting the low splayed foot, further decorated with a row of florettes with small leaves, all beneath a typical bluish tinged glaze

The overall condition appears to be very good with only light minor scratches to the glaze surface.
"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."

Vessels of this type from the Yongle period are quite rare.  Jars based on the form of the present lot are found in the Xuande period.  One Xuande jar and cover from the National Palace Museum, Taiwan is illustrated in the National Palace Museum, Special Exhibition of Selected Hsuan-te Imperial Porcelains of the Ming Dynasty, 1998, cat.no. 10.   Similar Yongle period globular jars with multiple flowers and a smaller straight foot can be found in  in the Palace Museum, Beijing, and illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2000, no.42.  Also compare a jar with lotus flower sprays in the Idemitsu Collection, illustrated in Chinese Ceramics in the Idemitsu Collection, Toyko, 1987, cat.no. 628.

Chrysanthemum flowers symbolise autumn and are especially associated with the ninth month, as the come into bloom around this time of year.  The Chinese character for chrysanthemum is ju, which also sounds like the word for 'to remain' ju and the word for 'nine' is jiu which sounds like the word for 'long time' jiu.  So the chrysanthemum is also the symbol of long life and duration.