A cloisonné enamel vase, fanghu. Ming dynasty, 17th century

A cloisonné enamel vase, fanghu. Ming dynasty, 17th century

in the form of an archaic prototype, the sides with applied bronze mask ring handles, enamelled with various animals including crane, deer, a monkey, peacock and parrot amongst rockwork and flowering trees, above a band of horses amongst breaking waves at the foot and below a band of kuilong at the shoulder, with a wide band of ascending leaves below the rim. 39cm., 15 3/8 in. Est. 8,000—12,000 GBP

PROVENANCE: From a private European collection acquired in the 1980's.

NOTE: For a similar vase decorated with a dragon in the main field, see Helmut Brinker and Albert Lutz, Chinesisches Cloisonne Die Sammlung Piere Uldry, Museum Rietberg, Zurich, 1985, pl. 157; and for another example with similar decoration without handles, please see Christie's London, 07 November 2006, lot 99.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 13 May 09. London www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's.