A rare large Ming blue and white double-gourd vase. Jiajing six-character mark and of the period  (1522-1566). Photo Christie's Image Ltd, 2011

The lower globular section painted with a lappet band above two cranes and two deer amidst 'The Three Friends of Winter', a fruiting peach tree and lingzhi sprigs, the upper section decorated with a pair of cranes amidst lingzhi sprigs, prunus, bamboo, and two stylised shou characters, the narrow waist with a band of peach scroll, the neck and the foot encircled by classic scroll bands; 28 in. (46 cm.) high  Estimate £150,000 - £200,000.  Price Realized £181,250

明嘉靖   青花鶴鹿同春圖葫蘆瓶   六字楷書款

Provenance: Property from a Distinguished Asian Collector

Notes; A very similar vase was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 26 April 2004, lot 1032.

'The Three Friends of Winter' is a popular auspicious motif frequently depicted in Chinese art. Consisting of pine, bamboo and prunus, the image of the three together represents Confucian virtues of fortitude and moral uprightness. Furthermore, as pine and bamboo are evergreens, and the pine and prunus live for a long time, 'The Three Friends of Winter' is also a symbol of longevity.

Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 8 November 2011; London, King Street www.christies.com