A MASSIVE BLUE AND WHITE 'FISH' JAR WANLI MARK AND PERIOD

sturdily potted, of large ovoid form, the exterior painted in pale underglaze blue with a  frieze of mackerel, whitefish, carp and freshwater perch swimming amid flowering lotus plants and pond weed above crested waves, all below a border painted with cartouches of cranes on a key-fret diaper ground on the shoulder, the base encircled by stylized lotus petal panels, the waisted neck with a collar of classic scroll, the base with six-character mark in underglaze blue

Christie's London, 19th June 2001, lot 42.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 10th April 2006, lot 1669.

There are two sections of the rim have been broken out and restored back in. One is approximately 3 in. (7.6 cm) by 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm). The other one is about 5 in. (12.7 cm) by 2 in. (5.1 cm). There are two minor star-cracks to one side visible mainly on the interior. There is a star-crack to the base. There is a firing crack around the lower body just above the foot following the luting line. There are scattered burst air bubbles and glaze gaps 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The names of the four fish painted on the present lot forms the rebus qingbai lianjie (pure and incorruptible),  a message to scholars to persevere, while maintaining high ethical standards, and a wish for great prosperity and success.