A PAIR OF MINIATURE DOUCAI VASES MARKS AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG

each of ovoid form rising from a short, slightly tapered foot to a waisted neck of square section, painted around the sides in doucai enamels with peony blooms growing from pierced rockwork interspersed with tight and opening buds and a knotty branch bearing prunus blossoms to the other side, with one pair of magpie perched on the branches and the other pair in mid-flight, the base inscribed with the six-character mark in underglaze-blue within a double-circle 

The vases are in good condition overall, and are very well matched in terms of potting and painting. There are some stained burst air bubbles to the rim.
"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."

Miniature vases of this design are very rare.  See a similar pair from the Collection of Li Chibai, was exhibited in Shanghai in November 1908, and is illustrated in A.W.Bahr, Old Chinese Porcelain and Works of Art in China, London, 1911, pl.LXXX, top centre.  See another similar vase sold in these rooms, 28th April 1992, lot 218.  Compare also a related pair of vases of the same form, but painted with waves in underglaze-blue, published in Chinese Porcelain, The S.C.Ko Tianminlou Collection, Hong Kong, 1987, pl.55.