Lot 3223. A rare blue and white hexafoil tubular bird feeder, Xuande six-character mark in a line and of the period (1426-1435). Estimate HK$240,000 – HK$400,000 (US$31,041 - $51,735). Price realised HKD 375,000 (USD 48,486). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016. 

The body is moulded horizontally with six flutes that continue to the conforming outline of the two ends moulded with mallow blossoms, and painted with bands of lotus scroll in deep inky tones of underglaze blue with 'heaping and piling' shading in areas to blackish brown. The top has two large apertures with unglazed rims, with the reign mark inscribed in a line on one side and the pair of small attachment loops applied on the opposite side. 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm.) wide

Christie's. THE IMPERIAL SALE / IMPORTANT CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART, 1 June 2016, Convention Hall