A rare slip-decorated 'longquan' celadon vase. Yuan dynasty

the globular body rising from a short tapering foot to a tall cylindrical neck with cup-shaped mouth, crisply moulded around the shoulder with a leafy scroll bearing orchid, pomegranate, lotus and chrysanthemum blooms, all between a classic scroll band at the foot and characters fu shou kang ning (good fortune, longevity, good health, tranquillity) within raised line borders at the neck, the glaze of dark olive tone. 14cm., 5 1/2 in. Est. 3,000—5,000 GBP

PROVENANCE: J.E. Melchior Collection.

Edward T. Chow Collection.

Sotheby's London, 16th December 1980, lot 332.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 13 May 09. London www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's.