Cf. the similar example in the Mottahedeh Collection, New York, exhibited Nov. 1984 - Feb.1985 in Portugal and Porcelain, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Catalogue, no.18, p.51, where the author suggests that the cross is similar to that used by the Jesuits but in this instance has been possibly disguised at a time of the persecution of Oriental Christians. For another blue and white example bearing a Jesuit monogram, cf. D. Howard & J. Ayers, op.cit., vol.1, no.12, p.57; M. Beurdeley, op. cit, p.205, cat.235; and p.138 for a famille verte square jardiniere in the Museum of Antique Art in Lisbon. See also N. de Castro, op. cit., p.41, where he suggests that jars of this kind were made for the College at Goa, and dates the comparable example in a private collection to circa 1680. For a very interesting account of the Jesuits' work in China and their influence and designs on Chinese art see M. Beurdeley, op. cit., pp. 136-141. Another jar, without cover, of this present type was sold in these Rooms, 9 May 1994, lot 25