A RARE BLUE AND WHITE 'HUNDRED BOYS' JAR MARK AND PERIOD OF JIAJING

of ovoid form, well potted with gently rounded sides rising to high shoulders and a straight neck, delicately painted around the exterior in shaded tones of cobalt with a continuous scene of the 'Hundred Boys' at play set in a lakeside garden beneath tall pine bearing clusters of needles, leafy bamboos and blossoming peony trees, with further lotus flowers drifting on the rippling lake, the boys playing with puppets, crickets, lanterns, dragon flies, riding a hobby horse and lighting firecrackers, all under scrolling clouds drapping the shoulder, the neck encircled by a chain of interlinked ruyi heads and diamonds, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within double circles, wood cover

A prominent Japanese museum collection (by repute).

There is a firing crack to the base of the interior, and a firing line running approximately 1/3 of the jar on the outside around the foot, beginning of which as shown in illustration. There is also some glaze fritting to the interior mouth rim. Otherwise the vase is in good condition.
"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."

The playful scene on adorning this jar illustrates the artistic vitality characteristic of blue and white wares of the Jiajing period. The design of boys playing together is rich in symbolism and was particularly popular during the Jiajing period, adorning ewers, boxes, bowls and vases. It represents the wish for many sons and descendants, particularly distinguished noble sons (guizi) who will pass the civil examination service with high honours. Another meaning of this motif is suggested by Rosemary E. Scott in Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, London, 1989, p. 80, where she notes that scenes of boys at play may be linked to the Daoist theme of the old regaining their youth. The Jiajing emperor was a devout Daoist, hence Daoist iconography was much favoured and readily employed by artists working for the court.

A closely related jar was sold in our London rooms, 7th June 1988, lot 241; and another of slightly more globular shape was sold at Christie’s London, 25th November 1974, lot 235. For a Wanli mark and period example, see one from the collection of Dr. Michael L. Yuen, included in the exhibition The Fame of Flame. Imperial Wares of the Jiajing and Wanli Periods, Univeristy Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2009, cat. no. 59.