Chinese Blue and White Porcelain "Fish" Vase

possibly Ming Dynasty, Jiajing period (1521-1567), of baluster form and heavily potted, having a short neck with slightly flared lip, decorated to the exterior with four fish amid various marine-plant life, and lotus sprays, the foot encircled with a border of stylized waves, the shoulders with floral lappets, the neck with scrolling floral design, the base unglazed.
h. 14", dia. 10-1/2"

Provenance: Purchased from the Estate of Mrs. Eben Richards, Washington, D.C., 1990.
Previously acquired through Sydney Moss, July 10, 1970.
With an M. H. Soames Collection sticker to base.


Exhibited: Paper exhibition labels for Royal Academy of Arts, London, International Exhibition of Chinese Art 1935-36, and Oriental Ceramic Society Exhibition1952, #168.

In overall very good condition with no visible cracks, repairs or notable losses. The foot rim has some minor surface scuff and abrading. The white ground exhibits some small scattered areas of staining (slight yellowing to glaze).