A RU-STYLE VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

supported on an octagonal foot rising to a compressed globular body lightly divided into eight-petal shaped lobes, the neck of octagonal section, encircled by two ribs opening to a wide everted rim, covered overall in a light blue flecked glaze, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark in underglaze blue

Sotheby's Hong Kong 28th-29th November 1978, lot 200.
Sotheby's Parke-Bernet, Los Angeles.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 16th May 1989, lot 177.

The glaze is slightly misfired creating a slightly thicker and milkier glaze with a tinge of yellow. There are 4 burst glaze bubbles along the shoulder of the vase. Structurally, the vase in very good condition. The actual colour is close to the colour in the catalogue illustration.
"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 vase of this form with a light greenish-blue glaze and a Qianlong seal mark was included in the National Palace Museum Special Exhibition of K'ang-hsi, Yung-cheng and Ch'ien-lung Wares, 1986, cat.no. 102. Other Qianlong vases have been sold in these rooms 25th November 1981, lot 329, with a ru type glaze and 20th May 1987, lot 486, with a celadon glaze.  Compare also the Qianlong vase of the same form from the T.Y. Chao Collection, sold 18th November 1986, lot 77, painted with sprays of flowers in doucai enamels sold 25th November 1981, lot 163.

For the Song prototype compare the guanyao vase in the Illustrated Catalogue of Sung Dynasty Porcelain in the National Palace Museum, Taiwan, pl. 30.