AN EXTREMELY RARE 'LAZURITE' SPLASHED VASE INCISED SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG

the finely potted body of ovoid form rising from a recessed base to a rounded shoulder and tall waisted neck with everted rim, covered overall with a splashed lazurite-blue glaze in immitation of lapis lazuli, gilt bronze stand

A Private French Collection

The vase is in very good condition with the exception of a small glaze flake to the inside edge of the footring. It should be noted that the glaze is of a stronger blue tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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 with its elegant form and most unusual speckled lazurite blue glaze belongs to a very small and rare group of wares which appears have been especially favoured by the Yongzheng emperor and was made during his reign. Potters working in the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen started producing monochrome wares in stylish shapes and unusual glazes reflecting the emperor's fondness and fine taste for simple yet elegant designs in ceramics. Ceramics simulating other materials, such as the present example, were also introduced to the potters' repertoire.     

For examples of wares covered in this rare glaze imitating lapis lazuli, see a garlic-head vase, from the Palace Museum, Beijing, included in the exhibition China. The Three Emperors, the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2006, cat.no. 179; a jar published in Kangxi. Yongzheng. Qianlong. Qing Porcelain from the Palace Museum Collection, Hong Kong, 1989, p. 289, pl. 118; and a pomegranate-form zun and a flowerpot, both from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Monochrome Porcelain, Hong Kong, 1999, pls. 196 and 197.