Rare Chinese Porcelain Cricket Container

A thickly potted barrel form, the exterior painted in underglaze blue with two four-clawed dragons chasing flaming pearls amidst clouds; the exterior with fine blue glaze; the rim, interior and foot rim unglazed; Ming dynasty with Chenghua (1436-1487) mark, possibly of the period, within a double ring.

2.75 x 5 1/8 in. diameter

Collection of the late Robert N. Cook, Jr., Graham, NC

For similar examples of this form see: Knapton & Rasti Asian Art, Works of Art - November 2008, no. 77 & no. 78 Sotheby's, Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, 11 April 2008, lot 2963 Christie's London, An Exhibition of Important Chinese Ceramics from the Robert Chang Collection, 2-14 June 1993, no. 31

Some light scratching to exterior, several original firing flaws.

$1,000 - 2,000