Lot 859. A blue and white ewer with lid, Lê dynasty, 15th-16th century; 6 1/4in (16cm) height of pitcher, 7in (17.8cm) height including lid. Estimate US$ 2,000 - 3,000 (€1,700 - 2,500). Sold for US$ 1,250 (€1,055). Photo: Bonhams.

With applied dragon-shaped handle and curving spout joined by raised clay coils to the shoulder painted in with overlapping lotus petals, then reserves of young plants separated by wave patterns in a wide band above further lotus petals encircling the body, the lower edge of the tall foot painted with an iron-brown band, the foot pad and recessed base unglazed; the associated lid also painted with overlapping lotus petals in underglaze cobalt and the interior recess finished with reddish-brown wash. 

Published: James H. Brow and Anh Hoang Brow, 'Vietnamese Ceramics: A Ten Thousand Year Continuum,' Arts of Asia, March-April 2004, p. 92, no. 31.

Note: See the similarly shaped ewers offered Butterfields sale, Treasures from the Hoi An Hoard, 11-13 October, 2000, lot 171, with chich choe and flaming pearl bands around the bodies, but also showing a lotus petal band along the shoulder and iron brown striping along the base of the tall foot.