Lot 8080. A large Ming-style fahua jar, guan, 18th-19th century. Estimate US$ 8,000 - 12,000 (€7,300 - 11,000). Photo Bonham's

Heavily potted, the exterior molded with two pairs of phoenix divided by luscious peony sprays and rockwork, above stiff lappets at the foot and below ruyi-shaped cartouches and a band of lappets at the shoulder, the neck with regularly-spaced cloud scrolls, all decorated in turquoise, aubergine, green, yellow and white enamels against a rich indigo ground. 14 1/2in (37cm) diameter

Provenance: The Joanna Lau Sullivan Trust

Notes: The present lot is based on the popular Fahua vessels of the late Ming period, themselves inspired by the cloisonné technique used in metalwork. Late Ming Fahua vessels were made in a numerous shapes and sizes, mostly heavily potted and with somewhat freely-applied, uneven glazes: several guan examples from the Wanli period are illustrated by J. Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, London, 2001, nos. 13:20 to 13:24. In contrast, the potting of the present lot is slightly lighter and finer, and the glazes are brighter and more consistently controlled, suggesting a Qing date. A closely related jar, dated Ming dynasty, 16th century, accession number 17.1107, formerly in the collection of Denman Waldo Ross, is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 

Bonham's. CHINESE WORKS OF ART, 11:00 EDT - NEW YORK