A GUAN-TYPE VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG

the compressed globular body with flared sides rising to a waisted neck and an everted lipped rim, the high shoulder set with four small loop handles, covered overall in an even bluish-green glaze with a fine network of light brown crackles and iridescent undertones on the interior, the footrim left unglazed and dressed in dark brown, the slightly recessed base inscribed with the six-character mark in underglaze blue  

There is a patch near the footrim where the glaze has chipped and was ground down (approx. 2.7 x 0.5 cm). There is some natural iridescence and yellowed areas to the surface of the glaze on the interior. Otherwise the vase is in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This charming vase is unusual for its form and no other example appears to have been published. It belongs to a group of wares that were inspired by archaic ritual bronze vessels and covered in glazes resembling bronze or in imitation of celebrated glazes to result in contemporary vessels that were rooted in tradition. The form of this vase is based on the fou of the Eastern Zhou period (770-256 BC) and is covered with a lustrous glaze to resemble the official 'Guan' ware of the Song dynasty (960-1279).
 
This piece is also notable for the seal mark and the unusual combination of straight and curved strokes attribute it to the early Yongzheng (see Zhu Yuping, Ming Qing cikuan pinjian, Taipei, 1997, p. 86). Yongzheng marks of this type can be found on a relatively small number of various vessels, including a group in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Qingdai yuyao ciqi, vol. 1, pt. II, Beijing, 2005, pls 200, 201, 204, 206; and a bowl sold three times in these rooms, most recently, 8th April 2011, lot 3033.