Lot 2548. A peachbloom-glazed waterpot, taibai zun, Kangxi six-character mark and of the period (1662-1722); 5 in. (12.7 cm.) wide. Estimate HK$700,000 - HK$900,000. Price Realized HK$860,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2008.

The 'beehive'-shaped vessel is well potted with a short waisted neck, the exterior lightly incised with three dragon roundels, covered with a glaze of rich rosy-pink tone, infused with dark pink specks, the base and interior white.

Provenance: An American private collection

 Note: Waterpots of this form are known as Taibai Zun, after the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai who is often depicted leaning against a large wine vat of this shape. They are also known as jichao zun because their shape resembles that of a basketwork chicken coop that is woven with a small opening at the top through which the chicks are feed. This type of waterpots belong to a group of peachbloom vessels for the scholar's desk, known as the badama, 'Eight Great Numbers'. These sets were specially devised in these classic forms to serve as requisite appointments for the Emperor's writing table, with the peachbloom glaze specifically used for these eight shapes. 

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 3 December 2008. Hong Kong.