Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province; Ming Dynasty, Jiajing mark and period (1522-1566)
Porcelain with incised decoration under a blue glaze, the base with a six-character reign mark in underglaze blue, a later metal band to rim (D. 14 cm)
The body of this jar is incised with two phoenixes in flight among clouds, ruyi bands around the shoulder and lappet bands at the base. A similarly decorated jar, complete with lid, is in the collection of the British Museum (1924,0124.1) and another is in the Victoria & Albert Museum (C.111-1929). The same design is also found on blue and white porcelain jars with the mark of Jiajing.
Provenance: J. Hellner (1866-1947), Stockholm; James Godfrey, New York, 28 Oct 1985; Anthony du Boulay