A VERY FINE AND RARE LONGQUAN CELADON CARVED BALUSTER JAR, GUAN, CHINA, EARLY MING DYNASTY, 15TH CENTURY The jar is in very good condition with the exception of some minor glaze firing imperfections and some very light and minor glaze surface wear and scratches. 25 cm high, 31 cm wide Thickly potted, the rounded upper body carved with four large ogival cartouches separated by different scrolling flower stems of peaches, pomegranate, chrysanthemums and enclosing four Chinese characters cursive script on a cross-hatch-pattern ground( delight smell from beautiful wine) , all within double line borders above a band of upright petals that encircle the slightly waisted base, finely covered with a glaze of rich sea-green color which also covers the interior, except for the center of the bottom, as well as the recessed, convex base. The mouth and foot rims unglazed and burnt orange during the opening after the firing. Provenance: bought at S. Marchant & Son's - 120 Kensignton Church Street, London in March, 24th,1965, since then in the property. Note: a similar one illustrated by J. Ayers, The Baur Collection, Chinese Ceramics, vol.1, London, 1968, A 108. ** Premium lot: un deposito a garanzia sara' richiesto per poter battere il lotto. Per informazioni per favore contattare i nostri uffici ** Premium lot: a guarantee deposit will be requested to bid this lot. For information please contact our offices