This is one of four designs by Pronk recorded on cisterns, or urns as they are sometimes called, the other three being 'The Doctors' Visit', 'The Potentate', and 'The Archer'. See D. Howard and J. Ayers, op.cit., pp. 292-305 for a discussion on Pronk designs, where the authors record that this particular design is only known on urns and only in blue and white and in Chinese Imari. A blue and white example from the Mottahedeh Collection is illustrated on p.295. However, a famille rose example was sold in these Rooms 2 November 1987, lot 214. Urns with Pronk designs appear to vary in size, but a few as large as this lot are recorded: one in the British Museum, illustrated by the National Museum of History, op.cit., no.76, p.178 (The Potentate); and two sold in these Rooms, 4 November 1991, lot 153 (The Doctors' Visit). Slightly smaller urns, approximately 21½in. (52cm.) high including cover, can be found: one is illustrated by B. Harrison, Keramiek uit Azie, fig.111, p.102 for an example (The Potentate) in the Princessehof Museum, Leeuwarden; another in the Hodroff Collection, illustrated by D. S. Howard, op.cit., no.285, pp. 240 and 241; and the famille rose example without cover, (Hand Washing), sold in these Rooms, 2 November 1987, lot 214
See also footnote to next lot