A blue and white 'fish' jar, Mark and period of Jiajing

collects ion of Dr Wou Kiuan (1910-1997). 

Wou Lien-Pai Museum, collects ion no. M.C.105.

Sotheby's New York, 22nd March 2022, lot 68. 

The Jiajing Emperor (r. 1521-1567) was a fervent patron of Daoism and the motifs that decorated the arts of his reign were steeped in Daoist imagery and iconography. Fish as an image of freedom from restrains have played an important part of Daoist thought and are found adorning a range of porcelain wares commissioned during this period. Similar Jiajing-marked jars of this design include an example from the collects ion of H.R.H. Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, sold at Christie's London, 8th June 1987, lot 148; and one from the collects ion of Robert Chang, sold at Christie's New York, 21st March 2000, lot 314.