Lot 1656. A rare small blue and white double-gourd vase, Jiajing six-character mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1522-1566); 3 1/8 in. (9.9 cm.) high. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. Price realised USD 86,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011

The globular lower and upper bodies painted in rich inky blue with an overall pattern of cranes in flight amidst clouds, with a single line border around the circular mouth, wood stand.

Provenance: Marchant & Son Ltd., London, 1998. 

Note: The decoration of cranes in flight is highly auspicious as they are symbols of longevity. The motif is also emblematic of the popularity of Daoism during the reign of the Jiajing emperor. .