A LARGE BLUE AND WHITE 'LOTUS POND' JAR MING DYNASTY, WANLI PERIOD

the ovoid body rising from a recessed base to a short waisted neck, painted around the exterior in rich cobalt-blue tones with ducks swimming amongst lotus, all below a ruyi collar and floral sprigs at the neck

A European private collection.

The jar is in very good condition with the exception of some heavy fritting to approximately two thirds of the rim, minor glaze firing imperfections including pin-head burst glaze bubbles , iron spots and light glaze scratches.
"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."

Compare a slightly larger jar of this form and painted decoration, in the Idemitsu Museum of Art, illustrated in The Idemitsu Museum of Art 15th Anniversary Catalogue, Tokyo, 1981, cat. no. 845; another closely related example sold in these rooms, 15th December 1987, lot 152; and a third jar sold at Christie's London, 21st March 1988, lot 32.

The form of this jar can also be found decorated in polychrome enamels; for example see a Wanli jar painted with the 'Hundred Deer' motif, in the Tokyo National Museum, illustrated in Oriental Ceramics. The World's Great Collections, vol. 7, Tokyo, 1981, col. pl. 26; and another wucai jar decorated with dense stylized clouds published in Sekai toji zenshu, vol. 14, Tokyo, 1976, fig. 219.