China, 16th to mid-17th century. Of square section, the flared sides supported on a short foot and rising to a tapered neck, finely painted in shades of cobalt blue with ducks in a lotus pond, below bands of ruyi-heads at the shoulder and key-fret to the rim, and above a lappet band around the foot.

Provenance: From an old Scottish collection.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and manufacturing flaws including slight kiln grit and scattered dark spots, occasional light scratches.

Weight: 473 g
Dimensions: Height 13 cm

Literature comparison:
For a related blue and white jar in the Clark collection, see Medley, The Chinese Potter: A Practical History of Chinese Ceramics, fig. 164, p. 221. Compare a blue and white jar of related form, illustrated by John Ayers, The Mount Trust Collection of Chinese Art, no. 89.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 15 Sep 2016, lot 831
Price: USD 5,250 or approx. EUR 6,100 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A small blue and white faceted jar, Ming dynasty, 16th century
Expert remark: Compare the related albeit faceted form as well as the closely related decoration and subject. Note the size (10.8 cm).