Lot 3515. A blue and white kendi, Chongzhen period circa 1643. Estimate USD 5,000 - USD 7,000. Price realised USD 6,000. Photo Christie’s Image Ltd 2015

The globular pouring vessel has a lobed body, domed spout and a tall, cylindrical neck that flares toward the top and recedes to the smaller circular mouth. The body is decorated with panels of birds and flowers, beneath a band of small fruit medallions on a diaper ground on the shoulder and tall pointed leaves encircling the neck. 9 ¼ in. (23.3 cm.) high

Literature: Julia B. Curtis, “Transitionware Made Plain: A Wreck in the South China Sea,” Oriental Art, Volume XXXI, No. 2, Summer, 1985, p.171, fig. 19 (left).

CHRISTIE’S. AN ERA OF INSPIRATION: 17TH-CENTURY CHINESE PORCELAINS FROM THE COLLECTION OF JULIA AND JOHN CURTIS, 16 March 2015,New York, Rockefeller Plaza