Two massive blue and white vases and covers Qing dynasty, 18th Century

each of baluster form, painted in bright tones of cobalt-blue with three rows of shaped raised panels, enclosing scenes of elegant court ladies engaged in leisurely pursuits, playing musical instruments, strolling in gardens or harvesting lotus blossoms within boats, alternating with panels of various flowering sprays issuing from rockwork or jardineres, set between foliate scroll and cell-diaper bands, the domed covers similarly decorated, all below bud knops (4)

The two vases are in good overall condition. One of the covers with glaze flakes around the edge; the other cover with very minimal surface wear. The larger vase with shallow chips to the mouthrim, iron spots and glaze pulls to the body, and two inadvertent streaks of underglaze blue to the interior of the neck. The smaller vase has a slightly lighter blue tone compared with the larger one, with kiln grit to the shoulder near a series of surface scratches.
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.

Compare a temple jar and cover similarly decorated with ladies and potted plants, but attributed to the Kangxi period, sold in our London rooms, 7th June 2000, lot 160; and three others comprising part of five-piece garniture, sold in these rooms, 21st September 2005, lot 100.