A blue and white jar, Wanli

The sturdily-potted globular jar painted with gnarled pine trees, blossoming peonies and bamboo shoots, with birds perched on branches and in flight above, all below a swirling cloud border, the short neck with scrolling trellis border. 25.4cm (10in) diam. Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000

Footnote: A similar jar with the same subject matter is illustrated by J.Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, London, 2001, p.291, fig.11:35.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 14 May 2009. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com