Lot 342
  • 342

A BLUE AND WHITE QUADRANGULAR 'FOUR SEASONS' VASE QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD |

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Height 21 1/2  in., 54.6 cm
the tall slightly tapering body of square section, boldly painted in vivid tones of cobalt blue, each side with a rectangular panel enclosing a different flowering plant; one with chrysanthemum emerging from rockwork, another with a blossoming camellia tree with a pair of flycatchers, the third panel with flowering peony with two small birds, and the fourth with lotus blooms borne on leafy stems, the rounded shoulders with floral sprays at each corner, the waisted cylindrical neck with bamboo reeds, the base unglazed and a foliate motif in underglaze blue within a recessed square, coll. no. 1600

Provenance

Alice Boney, New York.
Collection of John Fong.

Condition

The vase is in good overall condition, there are short firing tears along the base of the neck characteristic of the type, and expected frits along the edges.
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.

Catalogue Note

The combination of the four flowers represent the four seasons: the peony, spring; the lotus, summer; the chrysanthemum, autumn; the camellia is associated with winter and the presence of the flycatcher birds creates a pun rebus chunguang changshou relating a wish for eternal youth and longevity.
A vase of the same form and subject matter but with copper red and bearing a Kangxi reign mark, is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, acc. no. 13.1557. The Victoria & Albert Museum, London has two similar vases, one with a Chenghua mark on the base, acc. no. 763-1883; the other with the addition of copper red and a Kangxi reign mark from the Salting Collection, acc. no. C.991-1910.