A blue and white double-gourd vase, Transitional period - Sotheby's

the globular lower bulb painted with two quatrefoil panels each containing a qilinseated in a walled garden setting, flanked by detached floral sprigs, the shoulders collared by a floral scroll below a slender ovoid upper lobe, painted with further detached floral scrolls; Height 14 in., 35.5 cm - Estimation: 25,000 - 35,000 USD

PROVENANCE: Sotheby's New York, 30th March 2006, lot 300.

NOTE: The qilin is an auspicious animal and is one of the four great mythical animals of China. It was believed to be the noblest of all animals and the symbol of longevity, grandeur, felicity, illustrious offspring, and wise administration.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. New York | 19 mars 2013 - www.sothebys.com