A blue and white meiping15th centuryThe heavily potted baluster-shaped body vigorously painted in cobalt blue with a wide band of scrolling peony between a stiff-leaf lappet border at the foot and a classic scroll band at the shoulder, the small neck and mouth encircled with blue borders. 30.3cm (11 7/8in) high注脚An example of a true icon of Chinese porcelain, the present lot is decorated with bands of floral motifs typical of the Xuande reign (1426-36). The 'plum vase' shape, originating in the Northern Song dynasty as a container for wine, reached a new high point of elegance during the early Ming with harmonious proportions between the narrow foot, bulging shoulder and petite mouth. Charmingly, the cobalt pigment has misfired in the kiln to a greyish-blue colour with some burning up through the glaze and appearing almost black in hue - an instance of the famous 'heaping and piling' that early 20th century ceramic scholars often referred to. For a comparable blue and white vase painted with a lotus meander, 1426-36, see the V&A Collection no. C.66-1935.