Lot 62. A carved Qingbai-glazed ‘Phoenix-head’ ewer, Song dynasty (970-1279); 7 ¾ in. (19.7 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 4,000 - GBP 6,000 (USD 5,496 - USD 8,244). Price realised GBP 21,250. © Christie’s Images Limited 2018

The ewer is decorated with a strap handle opposite the short, curved spout and is potted with a globular body freely carved with a band of scrolling lotus flowers on a carved and combed cloud ground. The tapering neck is surmounted by a phoenix head with an everted foliate opening. The ewer is covered overall in a pale bluish glaze with the base remaining unglazed.  

Note: Prototypes of 'phoenix-head' ewers can be found as early as the Tang dynasty, many of which were exported to Southeast Asia. Compare a similar white-glazed ewer sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29 November 2017, lot 2985.

A carved white-glazed ‘Phoenix-head’ ewer, Northern Song dynasty (960-1279); 7 3/4 in. (19.8 cm.) high. Sold for 350,000 HKD at Christie's Hong Kong, 29 November 2017, lot 2985. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

Cf. my post: A carved white-glazed ‘Phoenix-head’ ewer, Northern Song dynasty (960-1279)