A RARE CLOISONNE ENAMEL ARROW VASE (TOUHU) MING DYNASTY, XUANDE PERIOD

the compressed globular body rising from a short spreading foot to a tall cylindrical neck set with a pair of tubular handles, finely enameled with lotus scrolls bearing large blossoms, each framed by leafy curled stems, with a classic scroll at the foot, the rim and tubular handles decorated with lotus blooms flanked by chilong on a dark blue ground

Sotheby's London, 9th June 1992, lot 28. 
Eskenazi Ltd., London.
Christie's Hong Kong, 3rd November 1998, lot 1045.

Giuseppe Eskenazi and Hajni Elias, A Dealer's Hand - The Chinese Art World through the Eyes of Giuseppe Eskenazi, London, 2012, pl. 177. 

As consistent with enamels of this period, there is scattered infill to lost and flaked enamels. There is a 0.8cm concave bruise to the body. Scattered shallow enamels flakes, and several small chips to the foot ring. The base has possibly been re-gilt.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Early fifteenth century examples of cloisonné enamel arrow vases, touhu, are rare. Compare another, slightly larger example of this type included in the exhibition Chinese Cloisonné. The Pierre Uldry Collection, The Asia Society Galleries, New York, 1989, cat. no. 17.