Lot 128. A 'Portuguese market' blue and white lobed jar, Wanli-Tianqi period (1573-1627). Estimate £3,000 – £5,000 ($4,296 - $7,160). Photo Christie's Image Mtd 2016

The jar is modelled with three relief-mask handles above grape vines between lotus, prunus and camellia flower sprays. 4 7/8 in. (12.5 cm.) high

Note: A comparable lobed jar in the British Museum is illustrated in Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, Jessica Harrison-Hall, no. 12:61, p 376. The author notes that these jars with Christian-inspired motifs such as the cherub masks were made for Portuguese Jesuits.

Christie's. CHINESE CERAMICS, WORKS OF ART AND TEXTILES PART I, 11 May 2016, London, South Kensington