148. A BLUE AND WHITE BOTTLE VASE Transitional period, circa 1640-1650 The compressed globular body raised on a straight foot, tapering to a long waisted neck with a raised bulb below a slightly flared mouth, boldly painted around the body in vibrant shades of blue with the seven sages in the bamboo grove, engaged in leisurely pursuits, above a band of lappets and below a floral scroll around the shoulder, the neck with sprays of stylised upright tulips, the base glazed white. 40 cm (15 3/4 in.) high Provenance: A Dutch Family Collection, acquired by the grandfather of the present owner in the 1970s in Amsterdam, and in the family by descent.