Lot 3104. A fine superb blue and white ‘Boys’ jar, Jiajing six-character mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1522-1566); 15 5/8 in. (40.2 cm) high. Estimate HKD 6,000,000 - HKD 8,000,000. Price realised HKD 8,525,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2019.

The large strongly potted jar is finely painted with vibrant cobalt blue, on the shoulder with ogival panels containing fruit and flower sprays reserved against a background ofwan lattice, the sides of the jar with a scene of boys playing in a terrraced garden beneath trees and clouds pretending to be adults, one seated in front of a landscape screen like an official with another at his side seated at a table with an open book, while a third kneels in front of them, other children pulling toy carts, holding lotus leaf parasols and playing other games. The foot is decorated with overlapping petals, box.

Provenance: The Manno Museum of Art, Japan
Important Japanese and Chinese Art from the Collection of The Manno Art Museum, sold at Christie’s London, 21 June 2001, lot 87.