Lot 848. A cream glazed storage jar with brown inlay floral decoration, Lý–Trần dynasties, 12th-14th century; 14 1/8in (36cm) high. Estimate US$ 3,000 - 5,000 (€2,500 - 4,200). Sold for US$ 1,875 (€1,582). Photo: Bonhams.

Of cylindrical form carved with a collar of lotus petals and two circular apertures above six strap handles separated by impressed bosses, the walls carved and scraped to form a wide panel of peony blossoms on leafy stems above a shorter band of upright petals, the background areas coated with iron wash and then glazed, leaving the flat base and interior walls unglazed.

Note: For jars with similar decoration, see John Stevenson and John Guy, Vietnamese Ceramics: A Separate Tradition, 1997, pp. 212-213, no. 72-74; and discussed on p. 117.