Lot 340. A Fine Pair of Matched 'Water Sprinkler' Bottles, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Period (1662-1722); 23.5 cm., 9 1/4 in., and 22.8 cm., 9in. Estimate 2,000--3,000 GBP. Lot sold 4,000 GBP. Photo courtesy Sotheby's 2008

each of globular form with an elongated tapering neck, sprig-moulded overall with four detached prunus sprays and a collar of either prunus or floral scroll, and further prunus band to the neck, all separated by triangular lappet borders. 

Provenance: Pierre Saque, Paris (according to label).

Note: Similar bottles are said to have been derived from Persian metalware water-sprinklers, and are to be found in the former collection of Augustus the Strong in Dresden, and illustrated, P. J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, London, 1969, p. 208, pl. 27C, and in the Hickley Collection, illustrated in Kerr and Ayers, Blanc de Chine: Porcelain from Dehua, Singapore, 2003, no. 145; while another was most recently exhibited in Blanc de Chine, S. Marchant & Son Ltd., London, 2006, cat. no. 87.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 05 Nov 08. London