Lot 77. A blue and white circular box and cover, Jiajing six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle and of the period (1522-1566). 9 5/8 in. (24.5 cm.) diam. Estimate GBP 30,000 - GBP 50,000. Price realised GBP 68,750 © Christies Images Ltd 2017

The cover is decorated with a circular panel enclosing two boys playing with a crane below pine trees before a pavilion in a fenced garden. The panel is surrounded by alternating cranes and cloud scrolls, and the rim is decorated with a band of scrolling lingzhi fungus. The base of the box is decorated with a band of scrolling lingzhi and by alternating sea horses and cloud scrolls above tumultuous waves.

Provenance: From a private collection in the UK.

Note: Compare a blue and white box decorated with only clouds and cranes, Jiajing mark and period, sold at Christie's New York, 22 March 2007, lot 306.

A rare blue and white 'dragon' box and cover, Jiajing six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle and of the period (1522-1566). 8 7/8 in. (20cm.) diam. Sold for 48,000 USD at Christie's New York, 22 March 2007, lot 306. © Christies Images Ltd 2007

Christies. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, 7 November 2017, London