Lot 3119. A blue and white 'Waves and Flowers' bowl, mark and period of Wanli (1573-1620); 15.7 cm., 6 1/4  in. Estimate 200,000 — 300,000 HKD. Lot sold 350,000 HKD. Photo: Sotheby's 2013

the deep rounded sides supported on a slightly tapered foot, brightly decorated around the exterior in shaded tones of cobalt with a continuous scroll of lotus and another six-petalled bloom borne on a meandering leafy stem, between bands of wind-blown waves around the rim and foot, all divided by double-line borders, the interior similarly decorated with a central recessed medallion enclosing an unusual wave-crest motif reserved on whorls within a triple-line border, the inner rim surrounded by a composite floral scroll, the convex base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within double circles.

Note: For the Xuande prototype of this rare design, see a bowl from the F. Gordon Morrill collection, sold Doyle, New York, 16th September 2003, lot 89. 

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. Hong Kong, 08 april 2013