A fahuameiping, 15th-16th century. Estimate £8,000 - 10,000 (€11,000 - 13,000). Photo: Bonhams
Boldly decorated with elaborate lotus sprays and two cranes in raised slip lines and blocked in with white, yellow and turquoise glazes, all on an inky blue ground, the foot with a tall lappet border, the shoulder with a 'cloud collar' embellished with hanging jewels and foliate motifs, the small everted mouthrim encircled with bands of clouds - 41.4cm (16 3/8in) high
Notes: The term 'fahua' may derive from the Chinese term 粉花, fenhua, meaning 'powdered decoration' and refers to a group of medium-fired glazes developed in the late 15th century on the basis of the Yuan Dynasty liu li glazes (Q. Wang, A Dictionary of Chinese Ceramics, Shanghai, 1989, p. 220). Due to the very liquid nature of the glazes, the variously coloured areas are isolated from one another by clay walls which tend to vary in thickness.
According to D. Lion-Goldschmidt, variations in the vivacity of the colours applied, as well as different shapes and subjects of decoration, may be attributed to different eras of production (D. Lion-Goldschmidt, Ming Porcelain, London, 1978, p. 127). On this matter, Lion-Goldschmidt also notes that the early fahua wares tend to feature motifs of lotus rising from water, cranes, birds and figures. The author further points out that complimentary decoration on Fahua, ie. that found on necks, rims and feet, also relates to the designs found on contemporary blue and white wares. Lotus panels, waves, clouds and beaded jewellery are obvious examples here.
For a similar meiping, dated c. 1450-1505, see J. Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, British Museum Press 2001, p. 411, no. 13:5.
Bonhams. ASIAN ART, 11 May 2015 10:30 BST - LONDON, KNIGHTSBRIDGE