Lot 1323. A blue and white 'phoenix tail' vase, Kangxi period (1662-1722); 18½ in. (46.9 cm.) tall. Estimate USD 6,000 - USD 8,000. Price realised USD 11,250. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013 

The tapering body is molded with tall upright petals that rise from the slightly flared foot to the shoulder, and is painted around the sides with boys at play between two scenes of court ladies, all in a garden below sprays of prunus and bamboo at the base of the neck, which is encircled by a bow-string band. An amorous couple within a double circle is painted in underglaze blue on the base. Together with a turquoise-blue-glazed high-shouldered vase, 18th/19th century.

Provenance: Private collection, United States, before 1965.

Note: A pair of very similar blue and white vases is illustrated by M. Beurdeley and G. Raindre, Qing Porcelain: Famille Verte, Famille Rose, London, 1987, p. 67, nos. 69-70. The vase on the left has the same erotic scene on the base as the present example, while the pair to it exhibits a different erotic scene. The authors note that "light-hearted subjects such as cabaret scenes with drunken revelers and scenes of gallantry are common; however, erotic subjects are rare."

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, New York, 19 - 20 September 2013