Lot 45. A blue and white 'hundred boys' baluster vase, Wanli six-character mark and of the period (1573-1620); 31.5 (12 1/4in) high. Estimate £35,000 - 45,000 (€42,000 - 55,000). Sold for £ 37,500 (€ 42,090). Photo Bonhams.

Painted around the body with a continuous scene of young boys at play, amongst 'The Three Friends of Winter' and rocks, a lake in the background, an intricate interlocking band of ruyi and diamonds around the short neck, later pierced metal lamp fitment. 

Note: The motif of many boys playing together was extremely popular in the late Ming period, and related examples can be found in contemporary paintings, textiles, jade carvings and lacquer. The image is an expression of the desire for fertility and a strong, productive family to continue the ancestral rites in the Confucian tradition.

It is highly unusual, however, to find this motif on a vase bearing a Wanli mark and of the period; another rare example is illustrated by P.K.Lam, Enlightening Elegance: Imperial Porcelain of the Mid to Late Ming: The Huaihaitang Collection, Hong Kong, 2012, no.122.

A vase of similar form and design, but with a Jiajing mark and of the period, was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8 October 2013, lot 228.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART. London, New Bond Street, 15 May 2014