Page 51 - Bonhams Asian Art London November 5, 2020

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A RARE BLUE AND WHITE ‘SHOULAO’ SLEEVE
VASE
Circa 1640
The tall cylindrical body deftly painted in cobalt-blue
around the exterior with a continuous scene of the
elderly bearded sage Shoulao seated beside a deer
and accompanied by several attendants with fans,
a figure bows before the sage lighting incense on
a stand, all amidst a mountainous landscape with
wispy clouds.
40.5cm (15 3/4in) high.

£20,000 - 30,000
CNY180,000 - 260,000

約1640年 青花人物紋筒瓶

Provenance: Marc Michot, Bruges
A European private collection, acquired from the
above in 1975

來源：比利時布魯日古董商Marc Micho
歐洲私人收藏，於1975年購自前者

The scene on the present lot is distinctive both
for the complexity of its design and for the fact
that Shoulao - the God of Longevity - dominates
the scene, while other figures are all depicted on
a smaller scale. This emphasis on Shoulao as the
most significant figure highlights the purpose of this
motif in stressing wishes for longevity. The painting,
in particular the ruyi-head clouds carrying Shoulao,
is both dramatic and evocative.

A jar with a similar design of Shoulao with deer,
crane and boy attendant within a garden setting,
Shunzhi, is illustrated in Seventeenth Century
Chinese Porcelain from the Butler Family Collection,
Alexandria, 1990, p.126, no.76.

For an extensive discussion about the emergence of
these wares, and the possible origin of the otherwise
inexplicable name of Rolwagen, from rotating vases
with continuous designs, in Dutch called ‘rolvasen’,
see C.Sheaf, ‘Reflections on Transitional Blue and
White’, Arts of Asia, Jan/Feb 2009.

Compare with a related blue and white vase
decorated with large mythical figures, Shunzhi,
which was sold at Bonhams London, 10 November
2011, lot 110.

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue.