A PAIR OF BLUE AND WHITE 'PHOENIX AND CRANE' HEXAGONAL VASES AND COVERS MARKS AND PERIOD OF WANLI

each of well potted hexagonal section, each facet painted with a barbed panel alternately enclosing a foliate-tailed phoenix and a crane swooping amongst clouds, all surrounded by spiralling interlinking scrolls, between a band of double-flower sprays at the shoulder and fruiting branches around the foot, the neck with detached scrolls below the lipped rim, the domed cover of conforming hexagonal section and similarly decorated with scroll designs and surmounted by a large angled knop, inscribed on the base with the six-character mark within a double circle

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 1st November 1994, lot 46.

First pair: Vase - There is a 0.5cm chip as well as some minor fritting to the interior of the mouth. There are some minor glaze chips throughout the piece, the largest one spanding 1cm. There are also some minor chips and fritting to the foot of the vase. Cover - Two corners of the cover has been chipped and restored. There are also some minor chips to the mouth. Second Pair: Vase - There is some fritting to the mouth. There is a short hairline crack down from the rim approx 1.6cm. Cover - There is some minor fritting to the mouth of the cover.
"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."

Jars of this type from the Wanli period are based upon earlier Jiajing period jars.  Compare a related Jiajing period jar of octagonal form also with Daoist motifs of cranes, sold in our London rooms 12th July 2006, lot 80.