AN EXTREMELY RARE BLUE AND WHITE BOTTLE VASE FOR THE PORTUGUESE MARKET MING DYNASTY, JIAJING PERIOD, CIRCA 1540-1550

the globular body rising from a domed foot to a tall cylindrical neck, painted in rich cobalt-blue tones with the monogram 'IHS' to the front and back face divided by leafy strapwork panels, all above a band of running horses and waves at the foot and a pendent stiff leaf band at the shoulder, the neck with floral sprays below a trellis-diaper band at the rim 

This rare bottle vase is in very good condition with the exception of a 1 x 1cm., area of overpainting to a shallow flake at the rim, a firing hairline encircling the underside of the domed foot, minor glaze pulls, burst glaze bubbles, iron spots and glaze scratches. It should be noted that the cobalt-blue is of a stronger tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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."

This vase  is one of a rare group of porcelains that is believed to have been commissioned by the Jesuits and used for Christian rituals. The inscription 'IHS', is the initials of Jesus in Greek and an abreviation of Jesus Hominum Salvator (Jesus Saviour of Mankind).  A contemporary silver-mounted ewer with the same inscription is illustrated by Maria Antonia Pinto de Matos and Mary Salgado in Chinese Porcelain in the Carmona e Costa Foundation, Lisbon, 2002, p. 3, and again in David Howard and John Ayers, China for the West, London, 1978, vol 1, p. 48.