A blue and white kendi - Wanli

Finely painted around the slightly flattened globular body with a band of lotus flowers scroll, above a stylised band of ruyi clouds, the base and top of the neck mounted with a metal collar (restored).
19cm (7½in) high. Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 - Unsold.

Provenance: The Bloxham Collection

Note: A similar blue and white kendi in the Ardebil Shrine collection is illustrated by John Pope, Chinese Porcelains from the Ardebil Shrine, Washington, 1956, pl.69. The Bloxam family collection originated with Rev J.F. Bloxam, who died in 1928. His heirs donated a number of fine Ming dynasty porcelains to the British Museum, including a Hongwu period cupstand.

Bonhams. Fine Asian Art, 6 Nov 2006. New Bond Street