A PAIR OF CLOISONNE ENAMEL VASES, MEIPING MING DYNASTY, WANLI PERIOD

each of meiping form, the waisted body rising to high rounded shoulders and a straight cylindrical neck, decorated on the exterior in bright cloisonné enamels with peony blooms and ball flowers on meandering leafy stems interrupted by ruyi-head, floral and keyfret bands, the lower half of the body with a leafy floral meander above upright lappets and a floral band, the neck with a floral band below pendant lappets, with a single bloom spanning the entire base  

Both vases have minor losses to the enamelling, of which some areas have been filled with wax. There is some minor rubbing to the gilt. Otherwise both are in good condition overall.
"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."

Cloisonné shouldered vases of this unusually strongly waisted form are rare.  For a vase of related proportions, but diminuitive size, see a meiping decorated with a lotus pond in the Uldry collection, illustrated by Brinker and Lutz, Chinesisches Cloisonné  - Die Sammlung Pierre Uldry, Zurich, 1985, pl. 41.

The design of ballflowers is unusual for the period, and more often associated with Qing dynasty porcelain wares.