A CHINESE FAHUA VASE, MEIPING

16TH CENTURY

Decorated in relief with two large floral sprays divided by insects in flight above rockwork, with precious objects and jewels set amidst garlands of beads to the shoulder, the foot encircled by a band of broad lappets, 28.9cm.

Cf. J Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics in The British Museum, p.411, no.13:5 for a fahua meiping with similar raised chains to the shoulder; see also the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, museum no.690-1893 for a comparable vase also with floral sprays contained between lappets and beaded strings.