KANGXI SIX-CHARACTER MARK IN UNDERGLAZE BLUE AND OF THE PERIOD (1662-1722)

The present vase is known as a liuye ping, ‘willow-leaf vase’, owing to its elegant form which resembles that of a willow leaf. It is also known as Guanyin ping as its shape compares well to the libation vase said to contain ambrosia held by many figures of Guanyin as depicted in paintings and Buddhist sculptures. A similar example from the Metropolitan Museum, New York, was sold at Christie’s New York, 15 September 2016, lot 918; and another similar example was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 31 May 2017, lot 3014.