A large imperial Chinese blue and white 'zun'... Lot n° 819

Full title: A large imperial Chinese blue and white 'zun' vase, Wanli mark and of the period Description: H.: 84 cm  Condition: (UV-checked) - Generally in very good condition, without restoration or hairlines. - Typical fritting on the rim. - Negligible minor baking flaws throughout. - A circular baking line visible just above the foot, along ca. 70% of the circumference. - Slightly tilting towards the side.  Using funds from the imperial treasury, Wanli erected or restored many temple buildings, leading to an increased production of ritual and ceremonial pieces, altar vases for Buddhist worship within the imperial palaces and for donations to worthy Buddhist clerics. The extravagant and imposing size of the present lot, as well as the difficulty in firing sucessfully such a large vessel, suggests it was probably a special imperial commission for an important temple.  Alongside his patronage of Buddhism, the Wanli emperor was also a devout follower of Daoism. As a result, Buddhist furnishings frequently combined both Buddhist and Daoist imagery. This vase is an example of such blending; while the vase is clearly intended for Buddhist worship, the basket of flowers is the attribute of Lan Caihe, one of the Eight Immortals who grants immortality.  Provenance: - A French private collection.  Ref.: - The Mus ee Guimet in Paris, France, holds the twin brother of our current example, with accession number G 2289. This example was once part of one of Europe's leading collections, the 'Ernest Grandidier' collection. It is safe to assume that the vases were together at some point in the past. (see image no. 7) - Christie's, New York, Sept. 17, 2010, lot 1321, for a smaller blue and white example. (sold USD 92.500) (link available on our website) - Sotheby's, New York, Sept. 12, 2018, lot 172, for a smaller example in wucai palette, with an estimate of USD 200.000 to 300.000. (link available on our website)  The absence of a condition report does not imply that a lot is in perfect condition. Please contact us to let us know which lots are of interest, so we can make the requested reports for you. Once complete, they will be published on our website. High resolution pictures are already available on our website at www.rm-auctions.com. Further questions are always welcome at info@rm-auctions.com