Petite jarre en porcelaine bleu-blanc Chine, dynastie Ming, marque et époque Longqing (1567-1572)

globulaire avec un petit col droit,  à décor en bleu sous couverte de deux dragons poursuivant la perle d'immortalité, une frise de ruyi autour de l'épaule et une bande de fleurs et ligne de cartouches stylisés autour du pied, la base émaillée avec la marque kaishu à six caractères de l'empereur Longqing   

The jar is in good condition. A few light scratches, iron spots, pinholes and pin pricks burst air bubble to the glaze around the body.
"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."

Porcelains made at the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen bearing a Longqing reign mark are rare, possibly due to the very brief 6 year rule of the Longqing emperor. However, according to Jessica Harrison-Hall in Ming Ceramics, London, 2001, p. 268, 'historical records show that vast orders were still placed in the Longqing reign and they actually indicate a further increase in official demands'. Therefore, vessels with a reign mark, such as the present jar, are particularly valuable for dating. In style and decoration Longqing pieces are influenced by the preceding Jiajing period porcelains. For example see a Jiajing blue and white 'Dragon' jar with its cover illustrated in Porcelains of the National Palace Museum. Blue-and-white Ware of the Ming Dynasty, Book V, Hong Kong, 1963, pl. 14; and another jar, from the Hay collection, sold in our London rooms, 4^th December 1984, lot 325. See a large fishbowl, with a Longqing reign mark and of the period, painted with the dragon motif, sold in our London rooms, 12^th November 2003, lot 153; and another sold in our New York rooms, 20^th March 1976, lot 118, and again, 23^rd March 2004, lot 640. For further examples of Longqing wares, see eight pieces in the British Museum, London, illustrated in Harrison-Hall, op.cit., pls. 10.1-10.8.