THREE PIECES CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE PORCELAIN,Ming Dynasty. Bowl with interior painted to depict vajra and scrolls within a double circle, the cavetto with floral decoration; shallow bowl painted with flowering branch issuing from rockery; pair of swimming mandarin duck-form water dropper, circa 1500. For similar pair of ducks see Christiaan J.A.Jorg, "Chinese Ceramics in the Collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam" ill. p. 35. pl. 9 " Pairs of mandarin ducks as shown here, are a popular symbol of conjugal fidelity and marital bliss. In Buddhist ritual the duck suppresses evil." - 5 3/4 in. diam.; 7 1/2 in. diam.; 3 1/2 in. long. Estimate $600-800
PROVENANCE: Private collection, Sarasota, FL
Restoration to the ducks on top of wings and beak; bowl with minute chips on foot rim; shallow bowl in good condition