A rare blue and white ewer. Ming dynasty, early 16th century

A rare blue and white ewer. Ming dynasty, early 16th century

of Islamic metalware form, the lobed octagonal globular body rising from a short straight foot to a short flaring neck with everted straight rim, set to one side with an elegant S-shaped spout secured by an S-shaped strut and to the other with a strap handle, painted to each lobe with composite leafy flower sprays below a cloud collar and stiff leaf band at the neck , the base with apocryphal Xuande mark. 16cm., 6 1/4 in. Est. 3,000—5,000 GBP. Lot Sold 6,000 GBP

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