Lot 21. Importante jardinière en porcelaine bleu et blanc, Chine, Dynastie Qing, Epoque Kangxi (1662-1722). Hauteur: 26 cm. (10 ¼ in.). Estimate EUR 15,000 - EUR 20,000. Price realised EUR 18,750. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017  

An important blue and white bell-shaped 'Five mythical creatures' jardinière, China, Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722)

En forme de cloche inversée, la panse est ornée des cinq créatures mythiques: le dragon, le phénix, le tigre, le qilin et la tortue. L'intérieur de la bordure du col est agrémenté d'une frise de nuages de ruyi ; fêle, socle en bois. 

Provenance: Property of a French noble family, the collection was formed by the present owner's great-grandfather, from late 19th century to early 20th century.

Note: The dragon symbolises the dynamic force, the white tiger the governor's benevolence, the qilin great peace, the phoenix prosperity and turtle longevity. See an identical blue and white 'five mythical creatures' jardiniere illustrated by Chen Runmin ed., Blue and white porcelains from the Shunzhi and Kangxi period, 2005, no. 325.