A pair of Longquan carved celadon trumpet-neck vases. Yuan-early Ming dynasty. Photo Bonhams

Each rising from a waisted foot, the compressed globular body with high shoulders, the long neck extending to a flared mouthrim, the baluster body and neck boldly carved with floral sprays issuing from broad curling leaves, all framed between a band of upward leaf lappets at the foot and stepped rings at the trumpet neck, the glaze of a rich sea-green tone, wood stands. Each: 60cm high. (4). Lot 263. Estimate: HK$ 800,000 - 1.2 million / US$ 100,000 - 150,000 / £64,000 - 96,000. Unsold

元 / 明初 龍泉窯青釉刻花卉紋鳳尾尊一對

The current lot shares many similarities with the Yuan dynasty Longquan celadon temple vase in the Sir Percival David collection, dated by inscription to 1327, illustrated by Rosemary Scott, Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, London, 1989, pg.63, pl.51. The method of construction for both of these vases is also similar, with such large forms built on heavily-potted thick base to avoid cracking during firing. This is achieved by cutting a circular hole into the base of the vase before glazing and firing and placing the separate glazed ceramic disk over the hole inside the vase. During firing, the dish would float over the hole when the glaze was molten, and would then seal the hole as the glaze solidified during the cooling process. The unsealed hole allowed the base to expand and contract during the firing process, reducing stress in that area.

Compare a Ming dynasty example of a Longquan celadon trumpet neck vase with chrysanthemum decorations, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30 November 2011, lot 3014; and another Yuan dynasty example of a Longquan celadon trumpet neck vase with moulded decorations sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 5 October 2011, lot 1998. A similar Yuan dynasty example is also in the Qing court collection, seeMonochrome Porcelain. The Complete Collection of the Treasures of the Palace Museum, Shanghai, 1999, pp.184-185, no.167.

Bonhams. 27 May 2012 2 p.m. Hong Kong. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art