Lot 107. A very rare imperial Fahua bottle vase, Encircled Zhengde four-character mark and of the period (1506-1521); 8 in. (22.2 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 25,000 - GBP 30,000. Price realised GBP 49,900. © Christie’s Images Limited 1998.

The spherical body rising to a flaring rim with a short straight lip, the surface covered in a deep blue with two two writhing dragons among clouds reserved in white biscuit and pale blue enamel, the interior with a warm yellow glaze.

Provenance: Baron Eugene de Rothschild, sold in these Rooms, 23 March 1974, lot 172.

Literature: A. du Boulay, Christie's Pictorial History of Chinese Ceramics, 1984, p.175, no.2, colour plate. 

Note: Anthony du Boulay ibid. points out that "apart from a few pieces with Zhengde marks, no fahua appears to be Imperial." Compare the unmarked ewer of fahua type with dragon panels included in the Exhibition of Far Eastern Ceramics, Tokyo National Museum, 1970, Catalogue, front cover, no.1, where it is dated to the 15th/16th century.