A LARGE 'GUAN'-TYPE BALUSTER VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

the steep rounded sides rising to a broad angled shoulder sweeping up to a flared neck collared with a single filet and set with a galleried mouth, supported on a short foot with the footrim stained brown imitating Southern Song Guan ware, applied overall with a pale blue-green coloured glaze of even tone, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark

Christie's Paris, 22nd November 2005, lot 118.

This has scattered iron-spots and minor burst air bubbles that do not detract from the overall aesthetic of the piece. There is one horizontal hairline crack just beneath the shoulder approximately 10 cm long. In otherwise good 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. 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 and form this vase was made to imitate one of the most celebrated official wares of the 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 of this highly attractive crackled glaze.

The shape of this vase is based on ritual bronze prototypes that were just being discovered and excavated during the Song dynasty.  The Northern Song emperor Huizong (r. 1101-25) was a keen collector of both bronze and jade and commissioned ceramic vessels after bronze pieces in his collection. Interest in archaism remained a strong feature of Chinese connoisseurship and reached its peak during the Qing dynasty, when the present piece was made. The Qianlong emperor amassed a huge collection of ancient art objects and had pieces made imitating favourite vessels in his  collection. The combination of a precious glaze and ancient form reflects his deep appreciation for the past as well as his want for its preservation. 

Compare with a similar 'Guan'-glazed vase but flanked at the sides by a pair of tubular handles, sold in these rooms, 1st May 2001, lot 525.  Also see a carved celadon glazed vase of similar shape and size, sold in our London rooms, 20th June 2001, lot 30; and again, 8th April 2007, lot 719.