A Rare Blue and White Yen-yen Vase Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Period

of baluster form, the body and tall flaring neck painted in brilliant tones of cobalt blue, depicting the Eight Immortals with their respective attribute in windswept stances, each enclosed in a quatrefoil panel, all against a dense diaper ground

Sotheby's New York, 30th March 2006, lot 307.

There are small areas of glaze pull, one under the rim and with some glaze flaking 1/4 inch wide, and two smaller areas of glaze pull at the bottom of the neck. There are minute iron spots. The neck stands upright and does not lean. The vase is in good overall condition.
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.

This motif is rather rare, although a Kangxi vase of this pattern in the Musee Guimet, from the Grandidier collection, is illustrated in Oriental Ceramics. The World's Great Collections, vol. 7, Tokyo, 1981, pl. 114; and another from the H.M. Knight collection, sold in our London rooms, 13th November 1979, lot 49, and again, 20th June 2001, lot 284.