Lot 1461. A rare large blue and white square jardinière, Jiajing-Wanli period (1522-1619); 11 13/16 in. (28.3 cm.) high. Estimate USD 12,000 - USD 18,000. Price realised USD 12,500. © Christie's Image Ltd 2013. 

Of rounded square section with chamfered corners, the vessel is painted on each side of the exterior with a shaped panel containing a mythical beast in a fenced garden setting, between bands of ruyi heads and classic scroll above and petal lappets and chevron borders below, which are interrupted at each corner by a mask and paw support.

Provenance: Private collection, Japan. 

Note: Only two other jars of this very rare shape and design appear to have been published. The first, of slightly larger size (25.7 cm.) with cover, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, is illustrated in Blue and White Ware of Ming Dynasty, Book V, Hong Kong, 1963, pl. 14. The other is a jar and cover illustrated in Minto Meihin Zuroko, Japan, 1977, no. 1.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, New York, 21 - 22 March 2013