A RARE BLUE AND WHITE 'THREE FRIENDS OF WINTER' VASE MING DYNASTY, CIRCA 1500

the baluster body rising from a high domed foot to a tall trumpet neck set with a pair of elephant-head handles, painted around the exterior in rich cobalt-blue tones with pine, prunus and bamboo between lotus lappet and ruyi bands, the neck with key-fret and stiff leaf bands

Sotheby's London, 13th December 1988, lot 158.

This rare vase is in very good condition with the exception of very minor firing imperfections including burst glaze bubbles and iron-spot glaze impurities. It should be noted that the underglaze blue is of a slightly stronger tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This vase is unusual both in shape and in design, although the decoration is reminiscent of Chenghua period beaker vases with related tall neck and the interior painted with plantain leaves radiating towards the rim illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Blue and White Porcelain with Underglaze Red (III), Shanghai, 2000, pl. 50, 51 and 92; and another sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 2^nd May 2000, lot 656, the body finely painted with scenes of mossy garden rock flanked by palm, bamboo and lingzhi sprays.