A rare persimmon-ground reverse-decorated 'crane' double gourd vase, Ming dynasty, Jiajing period | 明嘉靖　醬釉留白蓮鶴紋葫蘆瓶

the compressed globular lower body rising from a countersunk base to a waisted centre and pear-shaped tapering upper bulb, the exterior slip-decorated and accentuated with incisions with three cranes around the upper bulb above a floral scroll around the waist, all above three large floral blooms borne on a leafy meander encircling the lower body, all against an even persimmon ground, Japanese wood box

23.8 cm