A RARE SAPPHIRE-BLUE OVERLAY GLASS 'PEONY' BOTTLE VASE WHEEL-CUT MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

of pear-shaped form with a waisted neck, the rice-coloured glass body overlaid with a layer of bright translucent blue glass, finely carved with two peonies and two smaller blossoms wreathed in scrolling foliage, the neck collared with plantain leaves and the base encircled by lotus lappets, the flat base inscribed within a coin shape with a four character wheel-cut mark

Collection of Professor P.H. and Mrs. T. Plesch.
Sotheby's London, 12th November 1979, lot 81.

The vase was originally set with two applied mythical-beast handles which are now missing. These would have been inserted into clusters which are still visible on each side of the neck. There is some original pitting in the glass around the rim collar, some wear and light scratches to the underside. There is a natural unevenness to the body as well natural unevenness to the interior of the mouth rim. Otherwise the vase is in good condition. The actual colour is consistent with the catalogue illustration.
"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."

The vase was originally set with two mythical-beast handles. These would have been modelled separately and fit in four clusters which are still visible on the side of the neck. See two similar vases, part of a set of five sacrificial glass vessels from the Qing Court collection, illustrated by Zhang Rong, Lustre of Autumn Water. Glass of the Qing Imperial Workshop, Beijing, 2005, pl. 72. The four-character reign mark incised within a coin-shape is also known otherwise on other glass vases of various shapes from the Qianlong reign; see one carved with a similar flower scroll, published in ibid. pl. 68, together with a red overlay vase decorated with a peach tree and bats, pl. 55.