An important and exceptionally painted blue and white 'fish' jar, guan,  Yuan dynasty  元 青花魚藻紋大罐 the sturdily-potted baluster body rising from a spreading foot to a short straight neck with a lipped rim, superbly painted around the body in vibrant cobalt blue with four fishes swimming in a pond amidst large blooming lotus flowers and various aquatic plants, the lively scene detailed with two butterflies hovering above, the neck encircled with cresting waves painted with calligraphic precision, the rounded shoulder with large peony blooms borne on a continuous leafy scroll, with the blooms alternating in frontal and profile views, all above stylised upright petals enclosing various precious emblems and flaming pearls, the broad foot ring and recessed base unglazed w. 35.3 cm