Lot 1159. A small Ding ewer, Song dynasty (AD 960-1279); 5 3/8 in. (13.6 cm.) high. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. Unsold. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

The oval body is set with a short spout and has a Y-shaped rope-form handle terminating in two molded floral appliques. The whole is covered in a clear ivory glaze that continues onto the base, Japanese wood box.

Provenance: Kichi Ominami Collection, Japan, prior to 1970s.

Note: A Song dynasty Ding ewer with a similar handle was excavated in 1973 at Xiyanchuan village, Quyang county, and is published in Complete Collection of Ceramic Art Unearthed in China – 3 – Hebei, Beijing, 2008, no. 140.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 14 - 15 September 2017, New York