Lot 860. A rare wucai lobed jar, Wanli mark and of the period (1573-1619); 4 1/4in (10.8cm) high. Estimate US$ 20,000 - 30,000 (€ 18,000 - 27,000). © Bonhams.

The straight sides divided into six lobes, each lobe painted with a vignette of a seated scholar flanked by two attendants, one holding a goose and the other variously holding a dish, covered box or vase, all with garden rocks in the foreground and pine needles and stylized clouds above, with a band of lotus blossoms and foliate scrolls encircling the mouth, the recessed foot centered with the six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle, wood cover and stand.

Note: A twelve lobed example painted with six panels is in the collection of the British museum and illustrated by Jessica Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, London, 2001, p. 334, no. 11:153. That example, like the present lot has similar stylized clouds at the top of each panel and the mouth is encircled by a band of lotus blossoms and foliate scrolls. Jessica Harrison-Hall, ibid., notes that such vessels were probably modeled after contemporary Ming lacquer or silver boxes. 

An example similar to the one in the British Museum was sold at Christie's New York, 22 March 2018, lot 601. A five-lobed Wanli mark and period example decorated with dragons was sold at Christie's Paris, 19 December 2012, lot 13; and an octagonal example also with a Wanli mark and of the period, decorated with dragons was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29 November 2017, lot 3004.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Paintings and Works of Art, New York, 9 Sep 2019