the baluster body flanked by a pair of lion-mask handles, painted with two broad bands of meandering lotus and peony amidst foliage and curling stems, all above a lappet band, the shoulder collared by a band of lappets enclosing the Buddhist emblems, below a classic scroll and a wave band around the rim and neck

The mouth and neck of the jar have been broken and sympathetically restored, including overpaint to the mouth and two restored triangular chips above one handle with an associated crack measuring approx. 6.6 cm. There are also possibly associated cracks extending from the neck, measuring approx. 8.5 and 8 cm. The jar is otherwise in good overall structural condition with expected firing imperfections and crazing to the glaze and a small flake to one cobalt flower.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Compare a Yuan jar of similar shape and design but larger in size excavated from the tomb of Yang he (1326-1395) and another excavated in the city of Huaian, Jiangsu province, both illustrated in Ye Peilan, Yuandai ciqi, Beijing, 1998, pls. 53 and 52. A third vase of related shape with a cloud collar on the shoulder in the Tianjin Municipal Museum, is included in Tianjin shi yishu bowuguan cang ci, Tianjin, 1993, pl. 69. See also a larger jar of related design sold at Christie's London, 6th June 1988, lot 149.