A RARE UNDERGLAZE-BLUE AND COPPER-RED 'DRAGON' VASE QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

the rounded shoulders gently tapering towards the base, the sides carved in low relief with two dragons rising from turbulent seas, separated from each other by rocks and swirling clouds partially obscuring flaming pearls, the details of the decoration highlighted in celadon, underglaze-blue and copper red

Collection of Edward H. Bennett (1874-1954), and thence by descent.

The neck has been broken into three pieces (two large and one small), the largest extending down to a maximum of 6.4 cm from the rim, all have been repaired with a small section of infill to the rim, measuring approximately 1x0.6 cm. The base has been ground down and dressed in a light brown wash, together with a written number '4' in black. Overall with expected light surface wear and minor firing imperfections, such as tiny glaze pulls and minute iron spots.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A vase of almost identical size and decoration from the Percival David Foundation, inscribed with a Kangxi six-character mark within a double circle on the base, is illustrated in Margaret Medley, The Chinese Potter, Oxford, 1976, pl. 203. Another similar example from the Huaihaitang Collection is illustrated in Peter Lam (ed.), Ethereal Elegance, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007, pl. 85. A vase of related design, where the waves only appear as a band around the base, in the collection of the British Museum is illustrated in Soame Jenyns, Later Chinese Porcelain, London, 1951, pl. XXIII, fig 1. another related example was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 7th May 2002, lot 592.