A Rare Small Blue And White Footed Jar. Wanli Six-Character Mark In Underglaze Blue Within A Double Circle And Of
The Period (1573-1619). photo Christie's Ltd 2011

The slightly compressed bulbous body painted in inky blue with four five-clawed dragons leaping wildly amidst clouds and separated by phoenixes and cranes, all above detached clouds on the low spreading foot: 5¼ in. (13.3 cm.) across, Japanese silver reticulated cover . Estimate $30,000 - $50,000 - Price Realized $122,500

Provenance: Marchant, London.

Notes: The dragon and phoenix together represent the emperor and empress and also represent conjugual bliss, while the crane is a symbol of longevity and also of high rank.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I & II,  15 - 16 September 2011. New York, Rockefeller Plaza. www.christies.com