Lot 655. A molded and reticulated fahua jar, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Estimate 20,000 — 30,000 USD. Lot sold 15,000 USD. Photo: Sotheby's.

of baluster form, the openwork outer layer carved with the Eight Immortals paying court to Shoulao, the God of Longevity, amid pines, clouds, cranes, and other auspicious animals, all between a band of upright lappets with inverted lotus buds on the foot and an openwork peony scroll along the shoulder, a narrow band of petals beneath detached clouds on the short neck, the exterior glazed principally in turquoise with aubergine, yellow, and cream glazes applied to the figural and ornamental features, the faces reserved in unglazed biscuit, the interior and base glazed grass-green. Height 13 1/2  in., 34.3 cm 

Note: A very similar jar in the collection of George Eumorfopoulos is illustrated in R. L. Hobson and A. L. Hetherington, The Art of the Chinese Potter: An Illustrated Survey, London, revised ed., New York, 1982, pl. 111.

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Art New York, 15 Mar 2017