Note: Peacocks are called Kongque in Chinese with Kong being the surname of Confucius. As a result of this and the peacock's regal bearing, it is known as a bird of culture. Together with the peonies which represent wealth, the rebus wenming fugui, 'culture and prosperity', is formed.

Carved Longquan wares with this motif are extremely rare, with flower scrolls being far more common. A vase of similar shape and decoration is illustrated in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition catalogue, Celadon Wares, London, 1947, pl. IV, no 164, where it is dated to the Ming dynasty. That slightly larger vase (15 in.) has identical decoration except that the upright lappets around the base have been replaced with a ruyi band. The present lot is also related to a jar sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 7 July 2003, lot 658, which also has peacocks amidst blossoming plants as the main decoration. 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I and Part II Including Property from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, New York, 24 March 2011