Lot 77. A large Longquan celadon baluster jar, guan, Ming dynasty (1368-1644); 9 7/8in (25cm) height of jar, 12 5/8in (32cm) diam. Estimate US$ 6,000 - 8,000 (€ 5,300 - 7,100). © Bonhams.

Thickly potted with a short neck and swelling body that tapers inward above a wide foot ring surrounding a separately inserted base plate, the walls carved with fruiting branches and flower sprays enclosed within eight ogival reserves above a lotus petal band, the glaze applied everywhere except the lip, part of the interior well and the foot pad; the later fitted wood cover topped with a carved hardstone finial in the shape of a lingzhi fungus.