Two massive blue and white porcelain covered jars - China, Kangxi Period

Each of elongated ovoid form finished with a waisted neck and unglazed recessed base, painted in cobalt outline and wash with opposing figural reserves: one jar alternating panels of beauties and children in a European-style turreted castle with a battle scene involving two warriors on horse back; the other jar alternating the panels of beauties and children with an assembly of war tents, military and civil officials before a central figure standing on a draped dais; both jars also sharing identical strap bands filled with morning glory vines, descending lappet and roundel bands worked with palmetto leaf scrolls and 'one hundred antiques' filling the roundel to the top of each globular cover (one jar repaired). 40 1/2 and 41 1/4in (103 and 105cm) - Sold for $190,000 plus Premium and tax

Note: Massive blue and white porcelains of this type are popularly referred to as 'soldier jars,' recalling Augustus the Strong (1670-1733), Elector of Saxony and King of Poland whose love of Asian ceramics became legendary: in 1717 he exchanged six hundred soldiers from his army in return for over 150 Asian blue and white porcelains from Frederick William I, King of Prussia.

Similar pairs of covered jars are preserved in The Royal Collection, Windsor Castle and at Petworth House, The National Trust, West Sussex.

Bonhams. Fine Asian Works of Art, 18 Dec 2007. 220 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco, California