Lot 869. A deep bowl with polychrome enamel decoration, Lê dynasty, 16th century, the decoration possibly later; 5 1/4in (13.5cm) diameter, 4 1/4in (11cm) high. Estimate US$ 2,000 - 3,000 (€1,700 - 2,500). Unsold. Photo: Bonhams.  

The curving walls painted in overglaze iron red, green and yellow enamels with a diagonal trellis pattern separating three cusped reserves of birds in different poses set between a narrow broken diaper band and a wider jeweled lappet band, an unglazed firing ring centering the floor of the well, the foot and recessed base also left unglazed.  

Published: James H. Brow and Anh Hoang Brow, 'Vietnamese Ceramics: A Ten Thousand Year Continuum,' Arts of Asia, March-April 2004, p.93, no. 34. 

Note: A similarly decorated polychrome enameled beaker with reddish-brown staining to the crazed glaze layer, accession number 2002.750, in the collection of the see the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, is listed in their web site under Vietnam, p. 5, as 16th century, decoration possibly later.

Beaker, Vietnamese, 16th century, decoration possibly later. Stoneware with overglaze enamel decoration. Overall: 11 x 20 cm (4 5/16 x 7 7/8 in.). Anonymous gift, 2002.750 © 2017 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Bonhams. FINE ASIAN WORKS OF ART, 18 Dec 2017, 11:00 PST, SAN FRANCISCO