Lot 1202. An unusual blue and white boy-form waterdropper, Wanli period (1573-1619); 6 3/8 in. (16.2 cm.) high. Estimate USD 5,000 - USD 7,000. Price realised USD 10,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The waterdropper is modeled in the shape of a boy standing on one foot on an oval base as he playfully swings his arms in front and behind him. The left sleeve of his belted robe, which is painted on the chest with a rank badge, forms the spout, while the open right sleeve bent behind his back is where the vessel is filled.

Provenance: Christie's New York, 3 June 1988, lot 253.
Fong Chow (1923-2012) Collection, New York.

Note: A related example, in the form of a dancing girl, also dated to the 16th century, in the Percival David Collection, is illustrated by M. Medley in The Chinese Potter: A Practical History of Chinese Ceramics, London, 1976, p. 223, fig. 169.