A `FAMILLE-VERTE' BALUSTER-SHAPED VASE QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

well painted with a continuous figure scene from 'The Romance of the West Chamber' in typical palette, all beneath a diaper band to the neck enclosing vignettes of flowers and precious objects

The vase is in good condition with the exception of a 5mm. wide shallow firing imperfection to the rim; scattered iron-spot firing imperfections; two short firing lines to the base; light rubbing and loss to the iron-red decoration; and light glaze scratches around the body.
"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 present vase is a fine example of Kangxi wares of this elegant form that are usually painted with scenes taken from classical literature and mythology. The scene depicted on this vase is from the Yuan period novel Xi xiang ji (Romance of the West Chamber) by Wang Shifu. It shows Scholar Zhang Hong paying his respect to Cui Yingying's parents asking her for marriage. Cui Yingying can be seen hiding behind her mother watching.

This vase is also unusual for the spacing of the overall design that appears to be less crowded than usual. A comparable but more densely painted vase, depicting scenes from the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms is illustrated in Kangxi Porcelain Wares from the Shanghai Museum Collection, Hong Kong, 1998, pl. 124.