A blue and white 'phoenix' jar. Mark and period of Jiajing

of compressed globular form, painted around the sides in soft washes of cobalt-blue with four barbed panels each enclosing a phoenix swooping amongst cloud swirls, separated by further phoenix and clouds, all set between a band of spirals below the rim and a keyfret skirting the low splayed foot, inscribed on the base with the six-character mark. 13.5 cm., 5 3/8 in. Estimate 200,000—300,000 HKD

PROVENANCE: A Japanese Collection, by repute.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 08 Apr 09. Hong Kong www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's