A rare large Vietnamese two-part blue and white altar vessel. Late 15th/early 16th century

The lower baluster section molded in crisp relief with a brown unglazed dragon coiling almost around the body to a relief-moulded inscription, the detachable upper section with four mythical birds, the background painted in greyish blue with fire and cloud scrolls beneath a crackled glaze. 78 cm (30¾in) high. (2.). Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000

Footnote: The five-character moulded inscription reads: May the Supreme Figure live for 10,000 years

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Bonhams New Bond Street. Fine Chinese Art, 5 Nov 2007 - www.bonhams.com