Lot 191. A blue and white double-gourd vase, Chongzhen period (1627-1644); 34cm (13 3/8in) high. Estimate £15,000 - 20,000 (€18,000 - 24,000). Photo Bonhams.

The lower section painted in vivid blue with a continuous scene of two kneeling attendants proffering a book and cap of office before a dignitary followed by attendants carrying halberds and banners, all beneath three bands of leafy scrolls and floral sprays. 

Note: The present vase depicts attendants holding a tray with an official hat on it, approaching a dignitary. This signifies that the dignitary is about to be given an official promotion. Although to receive an official promotion was the ambition of many scholars, the present vase also highlights a dilemma faced by the literati during the turbulent transitional period between the late Ming and early Qing dynasty. To serve the emperor was to fulfil the highest Confucian obligation, but to serve a negligent Ming emperor could be dangerous, while to serve an invading Manchu emperor would compromise loyalty. See J.Curtis, Chinese Porcelains of the Seventeenth Century: Landscapes, Scholars' Motifs and Narratives, New York, 1995, p.144. 

The dignitary depicted in this vase could possibly be the Han dynasty general Han Xin (died 196 BC). Han Xin was enfeoffed as the King of Qi by Emperor Liu Bang for his loyal service, only to be accused later of rebellion and executed. Before his execution, Han Xin exclaimed: 'it is true when people say: the hunting dog becomes food after it is used to hunt game!'

Compare with a dish, Shunzhi, with a similar motif illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Blue and White Porcelain with Underglaze Red (III), Hong Kong, 2002, pp.4-5. The same motif is also found on a blue and white gu vase, Chongzhen, illustrated in Late Ming: Chinese Porcelains from the Butler Collections, Luxembourg, 2008, p.119.

A blue and white beaker vase, circa 1640, with the same motif, was sold in these rooms, 12 May 2016, lot 39.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 11 May 2017, 11:00 BST, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET