China, late Ming dynasty (17th century). Decorated in underglaze blue in the centre with a phoenix within a double circle and alternating borders of hexagrams and ruyi-head. The rim with a geometrical band and the backside with scrolling flower sprays and a mark within a double circle.
Condition: Overall good condition with manufacturing flaws, minor fritting to rim and a hairline through the underside. Provenance: Holzapfel collection, Geneva, Switzerland. This lot was acquired by the grandfather of Mr. Holzapfel before 1970 and has been in the Holzapfel family ever since.