A rare gilt-decorated black-glazed pear-shaped vase, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Estimate $40,000 – $60,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The bulbous body is gilt-decorated with alternating taotie masks and shou characters reserved on a diaper ground beneath a narrow band of beribboned emblems and prunus blossoms. The wide, flaring neck is decorated with stylized plantain leaves alternating with lappets beneath further shou characters. 15 ½ in. (38.4 cm.) high

Provenance: Private collection, France.
Duchange and Riche Asian Art, Brussels. 

Property from the collection of James E. Breece III

Note: Compare the Kangxi-period mirror-black-glazed vase of the same shape, but of slightly smaller size (37.8 cm.) and lacking the gilt decoration, from the Collection of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, sold at Christie’s New York, 19 March 2015, lot 447.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 17 - 18 September 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza