Finely moulded on the body with vertical narrow ribs above the foot, the central band with floral scrolls beneath a horizontal rib, the shoulder with further densely scrolling foliate scrolls, the neck with stiff foliate lappets beneath four ribs below the flaring rim, all covered with a rich green glaze pooling attractively in the recesses, the deeply recessed foot with a loose base and sagger inside the vase. 

Provenance: Accorsi Pietro Antichità, Via Po 55 (old label)

Note: Compare a similar vase in the Sir Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, very slightly taller than the present lot at 69cm high, but dated by inscription to 1454 AD, illustrated in Illustrated Catalogue of Celadon Wares in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art Section 7, London, 1997, p.35, no.238. The inscription states that the vase was 'respectfully offered to the local temple to be placed before the Buddha, with a prayer for longlife', suggesting that vases such as the present lot would also have been considered worthy temple gifts.

See also another similar vase illustrated in The Multiplicity of Simplicity: Monochrome Wares from the Song to the Yuan Dynasties, Hong Kong, 2012, no.76.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART. London, New Bond Street. 7 Nov 2013