Lot 855. A large blue and white circular box and cover, Lê dynasty, 15th-16th century; 6 7/8in (17.5cm) diameter. Estimate US$ 2,000 - 3,000 (€1,700 - 2,500). Unsold. Photo: Bonhams.

The cover molded in eight sections with raised lotus lappets outlining the top edge that conform to raised ribs on the curving walls and painted with alternating flower and wave panels that surround a central peony blossom roundel, the curving walls of both sections showing begonia-shaped blossoms separated by trellis panels above overlapping lotus petals rises above the unglazed foot pad and shallowly recessed base.

Published: James H. Brow and Anh Hoang Brow, 'Vietnamese Ceramics: A Ten Thousand Year Continuum,' Arts of Asia, March-April 2004, p. 92, no. 31.

Note: Two covered boxes of similar size, shape and underglaze decoration were sold in Butterfields Treasures from the Hoi An Hoard sale, 11-13 October, 2000, lot 2031, diameter 6 7/8 and 7 in (17.4 and 17.8cm).