Lot 1537. A fine and rare blue and white meiping, Yongzheng period (1723-1735); 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 500,000 - HKD 800,000. Price realised HKD 600,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2006

The baluster vase finely painted in shades of inky-blue cobalt with a gnarled prunus tree, its flower-laden branches extending around the mid-section of the vase, growing beside bamboo, peony and rocks, with two butterflies hovering above, the shoulder set with four upright lug handles and the foot pierced with two slotted apertures in imitation of archaic bronze, box, stand. 

Provenance: Edward T. Chow Collection, sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 3 May 1994, lot 163.

Note: A similar vase from the Jarras Collection was sold in these Rooms, 8 October 1990, lot 340; a pair was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 28 November 1979, lot 164; and another was sold at Sotheby's London, 9 June 1987, lot 261.

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, Hong Kong, 28 November 2006