A very fine 'ru'-type hexagonal vase, hu seal mark and period of Qianlong

of sturdily potted hexagonal section, the shouldered body sitting on a splayed foot and rising to a waisted neck flanked by a pair of tubular handles, covered overall in a thick grey glaze with a dispersed crackle, the footring with a dark brown slip, the recessed base inscribed with the six-character seal mark in underglaze-blue, wood stand

A Private Japanese collection.

The vase is in excellent condition overall. The colour is slightly richer than the illustration suggests.
"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."

A similar vase with a sky-blue glaze is illustrated in Sekai toji zenshu,  vol. 12, Tokyo, 1956, fig. 46; and another in tea-dust glaze is included in Chinese Ceramics in the Idemitsu Collection, Tokyo, 1987, pl. 965.  A 'ru'-type vase of this form and period was sold in these rooms, 20th May 1981, lot 822; and a similar celadon-glazed vase was sold in these rooms as well, 25th November 1981, lot 323; and another pale blue-glazed sold in these rooms, 26th October 2003, lot 50.