A pair of blue and white ‘floral medallion’ jars and covers 16th/17th century

each of square section, the ovoid body rising to a short tapered neck with lipped rim, painted to the exterior with leafy floral medallions framed by foliate corners, all between a ruyi band at the shoulder and lappets at the foot, the neck encircled by a keyfret band, inscribed to the base with a four-character mark reading Da Ming nian zao (Made in the Great Ming dynasty), the domed cover similarly decorated

Sotheby’s London, 13th June 1989, lot 230.

Both jars slightly mis-fired with two of the four sides slightly concave. The glaze to both mis-fired in parts to a cloudy, opaque white, particularly at the rim. Both with minor frits to the rims and corners, other minor firing imperfections elsewhere.
"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."