This superb blue and white ewer is absolutely unique and ranks among the most important pieces of blue and white from this seminal period in the history of Imperial porcelain, as it was made not just by the Imperial kilns, but for the personal use of the Emperor. The five-clawed dragon design is the most potent symbol of Imperial power, well-known from the following reign of Emperor Xuande and standardized throughout the rest of the Ming and Qing dynasties, but it appears for the first time during the Yongle period and this elegant ewer is among the very few examples known to be decorated with the blue-print of this important design. This masterpiece from the Yongle period has been hidden from public view since 1987, in one of the most confidential private collections since 1987, when it graced the cover of the T.Y. Chao auction catalogue. 

此壺舉世無雙，乃御窰為了帝皇專用而特製之品，堪配永樂青花重器之美名。五爪雲龍，氣魄懾人，乃無上皇權象徵，常見於宣德窰器，明代後朝以至清代繼續沿用，圖案更形規範。如此雲龍紋，永樂朝首見，奠定此後御瓷龍紋基礎，但例子寥寥，珍罕至極。此永樂重器於1987年為趙從衍珍藏專場圖錄封面拍品，近四十年來絕跡市場，如今復現藝壇，尤為難得可喜。

For assistance with bidding and registration, please contact:

enquiries@sothebys.com

+852 2524 8121

For all sale enquiries please contact:

Nicolas Chow | Nicolas.Chow@sothebys.com | +852 2822 8128

Senior Director, Chairman, Asia, Worldwide Head and Chairman of Chinese Works of Art

Sam Shum | Sam.Shum@sothebys.com | +852 2822 8125

Senior Director, Senior Specialist, Chinese Works of Art

Carrie Li | Carrie.Li@sothebys.com | +852 2822 8155

Senior Director International, Senior Specialist, Chinese Works of Art

Xibo Wang | Xibo.Wang@sothebys.com | +852 2822 5582

Director, Head of Department, Chinese Works of Art

Amethyst Chau | Amethyst.Chau@sothebys.com | +852 2822 8121

Director, Specialist, Chinese Works of Art

Cristine Li | Cristine.Li@sothebys.com | +852 2822 8122

Deputy Director, Specialist, Chinese Works of Art

Rubie Fong | Rubie.Fong@sothebys.com | +852 2822 9037

Junior Specialist, Chinese Works of Art

Xiaoye Yang | Xiaoye.Yang@sothebys.com | +852 2822 8135

Cataloguer, Chinese Works of Art

Mizuka Seya | Mizuka.Seya@sothebys.com | +81 3 3230 2755

Deputy Director, Specialist, Chinese Works of Art, Japan

Ching Yi Huang | Chingyi.Huang@sothebys.com | +886 2 2757 6689

Deputy Director, Specialist, Chinese Works of Art

Effective February 1, 2023, Sotheby's has updated its terms and conditions for all categories globally excluding Wine & Spirits. Please refer to the Conditions of Business located on the relevant sale page for the updated Buyer’s Premium rates.

由2023年2月1日起，新條款及細則適用於蘇富比全球各地的拍賣類別（洋酒除外）。詳情請參閱相關拍賣頁面所載的業務規則或銷售規則。