Lot 302. A fahua aubergine-ground vase, meiping, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). 12 1/8. in. (31 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 15,000 - GBP 20,000 (USD 19,665 - USD 26,220). © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

This vase is decorated with a scholar in front of a pavilion, his attendant carrying a guqin, a further scholar stands by a pine and palm tree. The shoulder is decorated with a cloud and lotus collar and the foot is encircled by a lappet band. The body is covered in an aubergine-brown glaze highlighted in green.  

Note: Scenes of scholars beneath pine trees can be found on various purplish-blue ground fahua vases, but it would appear it is more unusual to find this decoration on an aubergine-glazed piece. A small meiping vase with similar background can be found in British Museum, illustrated by J. Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, London, 2001, pl. 13:7. Compare also the glaze to a fahua jar offered in Christie's Hong Kong, 28 November 2005, lot 1430.

Stoneware meiping with 'fahua'-type decoration, Ming dynasty, circa 1522-1600. Height: 23 cm. Donated by F C Williams, 1925,0409.1 © The Trustees of the British Museum

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, 7 November 2017, London