A SMALL 'GUAN'-TYPE ARCHAISTIC VASE, HU SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

based on the archaic bronze hu vessel, the eight-sided compressed pear shaped body, covered with a thick light grey coloured glaze suffused with a network of black and tan coloured crackles, the neck flanked by a pair of tubular lug handles, the foot rim dressed in a brown slip imitating Song Guan ware, inscribed on the base in underglaze-blue with a six-character reign mark

Formerly in a Japanese Collection.

Apart from an old 1cm chip to the foot and a small black spot from where the original staining of the crackles spread into the glaze, the overall condition is very good.
"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."

A similar vase in the National Palace Museum, Taipei is published in the Illustrated Catalogue of Ch'ing Dynasty Porcelain in the National Palace Museum, vol.II, Taipei, 1981, pl.81; another was included in the exhibition Qing Imperial Porcelain of the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong reigns, Hong Kong, 1995, cat.no.63 (left).  Compare also two vases of this type illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol.II, London, 1994, nos.874 and 875, one with a crackled and the other with a plain 'guan'-type glaze.