Lot 870. A polychrome enameled bottle, bình Tỳ Bà, Lê dynasty, 15th-16th century, the enamels possibly added later; 11 1/2in (29.2cm) high. Estimate US$ 6,000 - 8,000 (€5,100 - 6,800). Sold for US$ 3,750 (€3,165). Photo: Bonhams.  

The graceful pear shape, intricately painted in iron red outline with successive registers of plantain leaves and composite lotus flowers, large curly-petaled peony blossoms attached to scrolling leafy tendrils and wave-filled reserves above jeweled lappet bands, the motifs enlivened with dots and washes of yellow and green enamel against the buff colored glaze ground, the recessed base covered with brown wash.   

Published: James H. Brow and Anh Hoang Brow, 'Vietnamese Ceramics: A Ten Thousand Year Continuum,' Arts of Asia, March-April 2004, p. 93, no. 32 and also illustrated on the front cover. 

Note: For a white glazed bottle of similar size, shape and without overglaze decoration, see John Stevenson and John Guy, Vietnamese Ceramics: A Separate Tradition, 1997, p.332, no. 285 (28cm high, as 15th century).