A Rare Chinese Ming Dynasty Blue & White Porcelain Bowl. The centre is decorated with the auspicious "Hei" character, meaning happiness. Around the outer wall are four more auspicious Chinese characters meaning longevity, each within a roundel, separated by a scrolling pattern. Diameter 15 cm. It has a good ring when tapped. There is minor "fritting" to the glaze at the rim edge, often seen on such wares of this age. No restoration or repair. Late Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). Provenance: from the collection of the late Brian Page (1938-2018), the well-known Oriental art and antiques dealer from Brighton.