Lot 2543. A rare Ming yellow-ground, underglaze-blue and iron-red double-gourd vase, Jiajing six-character mark within double-circles and of the period (1522-1566); 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm.) high. Estimate HK$400,000 - HK$600,000 ($51,860 - $77,790). Price Realized HK$980,000 ($127,018). © Christie's Image Ltd 2008.

Painted in underglaze-blue on the upper and lower bulbs with a continuous scroll of undulating tendrils with widely spaced, spiky leaves enclosing peony heads enamelled with iron-red, divided at the mid-section by a band of detached florettes between double-lines and ruyi-head band of stylised petal lappets above the foot, all reserved on a ground of rich, egg-yolk yellow tone. 

Note: A pair of similar double-gourd vases formerly from the Harry Oppenheim collection, now in the British Museum, is illustrated by J. Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics, London, 2001, p. 254, nos. 9.88 & 9.89. Another example from the Toguri Collection was sold at Sotheby's London, 9 June 2004, lot 37.

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics And Works Of Art . 3 December 2008. Hong Kong.