An extremely rare blue and white 'flower' jar mark and period of Jiajing

the well potted globular body sitting on a high tapered foot rising to a slightly tapered neck with raised rim, painted overall in varying tones of pale cobalt-blue around the body with various stylised blooms including lotus and peony on meandering leafy stems, below bands of crashing waves at the shoulder and classic scroll at the neck, and above a band of panels with ruyi-head compartments enclosing ruyi-shaped cloud swirls and crashing waves at the foot, the base with the six-character mark within double circles, later black lacquer cover (2)

There are frits to the rim, resulting from burst air bubbles, the largest covering an area of approx 1 by 0.3cm. There is an original kiln firing line under the glaze circling almost the entire interior edge of the base. The luting line is visible on the exterior over an area of approx 4.5cm. There is some wear to the glaze on the exterior. Otherwise generally in good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Jiajing wares were often inspired by earlier Yongle designs but it is rare to find a vessel that is so close in shape and decoration. For the inspiration of this piece see the famous Yongle jar, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures in the Palace Museum. Blue and White Porcelain with Underglazed Red (I), Shanghai, 2000, pl. 42. Compare also a Yongle tankard painted with the same floral design below a band of waves published in Ming chu qinghua ci, vol.1, Beijing, 2002, pl. 32.