Lot 1737. A rare early Ming tianbai-glazed ewer, Ming dynasty, 15th-early 16th century; 11½ in. (29 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 600,000 - HKD 800,000. Price realised HKD 1,207,500. © Christie's Image Ltd 2007

The ewer is elegantly potted with a wide pear-shaped body, the curved spout joined to the neck with a cloud-shaped strut opposite a broad looped handle finishing a trefoil, the rim cup-shaped and the shallow domed cover surmounted by a knop finial, all under an even milky-white glaze, box. 

Literature: The Exquisite Chinese Artifacts, Collection of Ching Wan Society, National Museum of History, 1995, p. 155, no. 93.

Note: Previously sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 31 March 1992, lot 551

The form of the present ewer is closely related to late 14th early 15th century prototypes such as the Tianbai anhua-decorated ewer formerly in the Manno Art Museum, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28 October 2002, lot 555.