A lobed white stoneware ewer. Northern Song Dynasty, 21.2cm high. Sold for £6,000. © 2002-2008 Bonhams 1793

The ovoid body with six lines forming the lobed melon form, with a curved facetted spout surmounted by a rope-twist high loop handle formed of three strands issuing from three leaves with moulded floral designs, the top with a recessed rim around the small opening, covered with transparent ivory glaze stopping short of the unglazed rim and foot ring.

Provenance: a retired General in the Swiss Army.

 

Note: Compare a smaller related ewer with an eight-lobed body, dated to the Liao or Northern Song Dynasty, similarly potted with a rope-twist overhandle issuing from moulded lappets, illustrated by R. Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, Vol.I, London, 1994, Catalogue no.343.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 6 Nov 2008. New Bond Street - www.bonhams.com