A LARGE 'GUAN'-GLAZED JAR SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

robustly potted, the broad ovoid body supported on a flared foot and rising to a tall slightly flared neck, the belly interrupted by two filets, one around the widest section and the other near the foot, the shoulders further set with a pair of moulded mock animal-mask ring handles, all covered beneath a thick greyish green glaze suffused with a network of fine silvery cracklure, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark

Yamanaka & Company, Osaka.

Yamanaka & Company, Grand Exhibition of Ancient Chinese and Corean works of Art, Osaka, 25-29th May 1934, cat.no. 693.

The jar is in good condition and exhibits characteristic craquelure. There are minor and light iron-spots in scattered areas, which do not detract from the beauty of the piece.
"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."

In its glazing this vase was made to imitate one of the most celebrated official ceramic wares of the Southern Song dynasty, guan ware made for the court in the capital, Hangzhou in Zhejiang province. Laohudong in southern Hangzhou appears to have been the most important guan kilns producing wares with this highly attractive crackled glaze. Ancient bronze hu provided the model for the vase allowing the owner to show his respect for the past as an exemplary period. The combination of a precious glaze and ancient form suggests a deep appreciation and respect for the past, together with the want for its preservation.        

A Qianlong ge-type vase of this form but smaller size (26cm) was sold in these rooms, 1st/2nd April 1974, lot 254; and another from the Norton collection with a guan-type glaze, was also sold in these rooms, 5th November 1963, lot 196. For an earlier Qing example see a Yongzheng vase of the same size and form but covered with a tea-dust glaze, included in the Illustrated Catalogue of Ch'ing Dynasty Porcelain in the National Palace Museum, vol.1, Tokyo, 1980, pl. 152.