A very rare large late Ming blue and white reverse-decorated 'hundred cranes' jar. Wanli six-character mark and of the period

A very rare large late Ming blue and white reverse-decorated 'hundred cranes' jar. Wanli six-character mark and of the period (1573-1619). Photo Christies Ltd 2011

The large jar strongly potted and skilfully painted with vertical stripes around the lipped mouth, a classic scroll around the neck and the body of the vessel with cranes in flight amongst scrolling clouds reserved in white against a rich blue ground, the mark within a double ring countersunk into the centre of the unglazed base; 15 3/8 in. (39.4 cm.) high  Estimate £40,000 - £60,000 ($66,840 - $100,260)

Provenance The Tsui Museum of Art, Hong Kong, inv. no. PB128.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art , 10 May 2011. London, King Street www.christies.com