明嘉靖 五彩開光瑞鳥紋小罐 《大明嘉靖年製》款

de forme ovoïde, à décor peint en bleu pâle, aubergine, rouge, vert et jaune d'une frise de six cartouches quadrilobés abritant phénix et grues alternées sur fond des douze instruments de musique enrubannés représentant les "Huit Sons" parmi les rinceaux fleuris, marque à six caractères dans un double cercle en bleu sous couverte à la base

Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Robert de Strycker, Brussels.

There is a ca. 1.2cm wide filled-in area to the rim which may cover a shallow chip or flake to the rim. The rim may have been slightly polished. There is minor overall wear to the enamels with tiny parts of the of the turquoise enamel missing. There is also some light wear to the iron-red and minor scratching to the white glaze.
"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."

Another example of this form, size and decoration, bequeathed by Harry Oppenheim and now in the British Museum, London, is illustrated in Jessica Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics, London, 2001. Jars of this size and design are more often painted in underglaze blue, compare, for example, a small jar illustrated in the Minji meihin zūroku, vol. III, Tokyo, 1978, pl. 9.