A 'FAMILLE-ROSE' 'THREE-GOATS' VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF DAOGUANG

of baluster form with a globular body rising to a tall waisted neck flanked by a pair of elephant-head handles, the body painted with three goats in a garden amid peonies, camellias, and trees, set between a formal lotus flowerhead with scrolling offshoots reserved on a pistachio-green ground around the neck and a narrow band of similar lotus scroll on a green ground skirting the foot, the base inscribed in iron-red with a six character reign mark

The vase is in good overall condition with some expected wear to the gilding on the mouth rim. Minor areas of the lime-green enamel exhibit bubbling from the firing. There is one iron-spot on the white of the body, along very minor kiln grit. The foot ring has one iron-spot.
"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."

The 'Three Rams' (san yang) design represents a change of fortune with the arrival of Spring and the New Year. The three rams are often shown together with the the rising sun (taiyang) to form the rebus for 'three yang bring prosperity'. The Yijing (Book of Changes) first mentions the phrase san yang referring to the three male lines, called tai, that symbolize heaven. The tai is positioned under three female lines called kun that represent earth. Hence the phrase 'sanyang kaitai' which means the New Year brings renewal and a change of fortune.   See a larger vase with very similar composition except with a 'Shengde Tang' mark (Daoguang period) and bamboo handles sold in our New York rooms 30th March 2006, lot 354.