A pair of blue and white vases (yen-yen). Qing dynasty, Kangxi period

each with an ovoid body supported on a tall flared foot, painted in vibrant underglaze blue with petal-shaped cartouches enclosing figures among mountainous landscapes alternating with precious antiques and Buddhist emblems, the motifs repeated on the cylindrical neck, scrolling borders at the foot and bottom of the neck, with lotus scroll bands below the flared mouth and at the top of the foot (2) - height 18 3/8 in., 46.7 cm - Estimate: 30,000—40,000 USD - Adjugé: 31 250 USD

Notes:  While Buddhist emblems and landscapes were frequently employed as decorative motifs, the combination of four shaped panels on the body and elaborate bands of decoration is rarely found on blue and white yen-yen vases but feature on famille-verte wares. Compare a large famille-verte yen-yen vase with similar composition, with panels enclosing birds and flowers and varying bands of decoration, sold at Christie's London, 23rd July 1979, lot 340.

A related blue and white example of the same size, painted with a simpler design of a panel of archaistic vessels among emblems on one side and a landscape panel on the other, was sold at Christie's London, 29th March 1982, lot 94; another in our London rooms, 14th November 1978, lot 61; and a pair was sold in these rooms, 13th March 1975, lot 368.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art including Chinese and Japanese Art from The Collection of Frieda and Milton Rosenthal. 16 Sep 08. www.sotheby's.com