Lot 1935. A fine blue and white beaker vase, gu, Transitional period, circa 1620-1645; 16 1/4 in. (41.5 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 80,000 - HKD 120,000. Price realised HKD 187,500. © Christies Image Ltd 2013

Of cylindrical form, the upper register is well painted with peony, bamboo and roses growing amidst pierced rockwork and a pair of birds in flight. The middle register is decorated with pierced ornamental rockwork and the lower with alternating single and double-leaf motifs, wood stand. 

Note: This simple and elegant cylindrical form belongs to a group of new shapes among the Transitional Wares. Its simple concave lines, derived from the earlier Ming prototype, are referred by R.S. Kilburn 'serve to emphasize the solid careful potting and good proportion of the pieces', see Transitional Wares and Their Forerunners, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 1981, p. 30. Compare to an inscribed blue and white vase dating to the 1640, featuring three registers of plants and rocks similar to the present vase, included in the Oriental Ceramics Society, Hong Kong, 1981, and illustrated, op. cit., p. 89, pl. 65.

Christie's. IN PURSUIT OF REFINEMENT - A LEGACY OF THE YC CHEN COLLECTION. Hong Kong, 29 May 2013