A RARE BLUE-GROUND GILT-DECORATED CONJOINED TRIPLE-NECK DOUBLE-GOURD VASE QIANLONG SEAL MARK AND PERIOD

well potted, the three double-gourd vases conjoined together forming three lobes rising to three separate tubular necks, decorated in gilt on each section with stylised lotus sprays separated by a band of circles, encircled at the foot with a upright lappets and the rim with a keyfret band, all reserved against a rich deep blue ground, the base with a six-character seal mark

Sotheby's New York, 23rd September 1995, lot 472.
J.M. Hu Family Collection.
Sotheby’s London, 16th June 1999, lot 883.

The vase is in very good condition with the exception of minor glaze scratches and very minor rubbing to the gilt decoration.
"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 belongs to a special small group of vessels decorated with gilt-paint on a rich blue ground. No other Qianlong example appears to have been published, although a larger vase of this type with a Xianfeng mark and of the period, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in The Complete Works of Chinese Ceramics, vol. 15, Shanghai, 2000, pl. 183.

 

Further examples of Qianlong vases from this group include one illustrated in Gems of the Official Kilns, Taipei, 1993, pl. 90; two of square section in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated ibid., pls 91 and 92; and another included in the Special Exhibition of K’ang-hsi, Yung-cheng and Ch’ien-lung Porcelain Ware from the Ch’ing Dynasty in the National Palace Museum, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1986, cat. no. 79, together with a double-gourd flask, cat. no. 78.