Lot 1189. A large blue and white lobed jar, Jiajing six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle and of the period (1522-1566), 12 5/8 in. (32 cm.) high. Estimate USD 60,000 - USD 80,000. Unsold. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

The six-lobed jar is decorated in the exterior with rows of stylized lotus flowers borne on foliate scrolling stems, above lappets at the spreading foot and below scrolling bands on the shoulder and neck. 

Note: Although large blue and white jars are well-known from the late Ming period, it is unusual to find such a large example which combines lobed sides with a flaring foot and lotus scroll decoration, such as that seen on the present jar. 

A related Jiajing-marked lobed jar, but smaller than the present jar (20.5 cm. high), is illustrated in Enlightening Elegance: Imperial Porcelain of the Mid to Late Ming: The Huaihaitang Collection, Hong Kong, 2012, p. 180, no. 39, and another smaller (16.7 cm. high) Jiajing-marked jar, decorated with lotus scroll, was sold at Christie's New York, 19-20 September 2013, lot 1296.

A blue and white 'lotus'  jar, Jiajing six-character mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1522-1566), 6 5/8 in. (16.7 cm.) high. Sold for USD 68,750 at Christie's New York, 19-20 September 2013, lot 1296. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 14 - 15 September 2017, New York