A PAIR OF FAMILLE-ROSE 'FLORAL' BALUSTER VASES AND COVERS QING DYNASTY, CIRCA 1735 |

the rounded shoulders tapering to a gently flaring foot and sweeping to a wide straight neck, the body finely enameled with a lavish, colorful floral display centering on a lush peony flanked by curling leaves of varying green tones, set amid a profusion of varying flowers, all emerging from pierced rockwork formations among dense foliage, set between an undulating band of slender lappets encircling the base and an elegant cloud collar band reserving leafy florets on an iron-red spiral ground, the domed covers similarly decorated and surmounted by bud-form knops (4)

The C. Ruxton (1904-1971) and Audrey B. Love (1903-2003) Collection, acquired in China in 1929, and thence by descent.

The vase and covers are in good overall condition. One cover with a chip to the underside of the rim. There is light wear, tiny losses to the enamels consistent with age.
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.

Famille-rose porcelains with floral decoration were tremendously popular in the 18th century but it is rare to find examples that are as finely potted and enameled as the present perfectly matched pair. The auspicious subject matter related by the abundance of flowers, many of the plants easily identifiable alongside stylized blooms would have been readily appreciated and understood as a benevolent wish. Examples of similar palette, subject matter and quality include a three piece garniture sold in these rooms, 19th March 2007, lot 805; a pair of fish bowls sold in these rooms, 29th March 2011, lot 22, and a pair of massive vases and covers sold in our London rooms, 19th January 2017, lot 304.  The present lot comes from the esteemed collection of C. Ruxton Love (1904-1971) and Audrey B. Love (1903-2003) who met while sailing to China in 1926. He was Secretary to the U.S. Ambassador to China and she was undertaking a tour of the Far East with her mother, Edythe Guggenheim Josephthal. The Loves were avid but discerning collectors who acquired superlative examples of fine and decorative art representing multiple cultures from around the world. The couple were generous patrons, lending and donating works of art to numerous museums including the Metropolitan Museum, New York, the Louvre, Paris, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. A single-owner auction of their collection including many Chinese works of art was held at Christie's New York, 20th October 2004.