A BLUE AND WHITE YENYEN 'DEER' VASE QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

the baluster-shaped body rising from a spreading foot to a tall trumpet neck, painted around the exterior in rich violet-blue tones with a pair of deer in a mountainous landscape, the beasts recumbent beneath old gnarled cypress trees and swirling mist, all between cloud and dentil bands

Private collection, Berlin

The vase is good overall condition with the exception of restoration and over-painting to a circa 2cm., diam., area of the edge of the foot, minute frits to the edge of the rim, minor iron-spots, pin holes and scratches to the glaze. It should be noted that the cobalt-blue is of a far stronger and deeper tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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."

Two Kangxi yenyen vases painted with deer are illustrated in Qing Shunzhi Kangxi chao qinghua ci, vol. 1, Beijing, 2005, pls. 307 and 308.

Deer depicted with cypress, as seen on the present vase, are a wish for hundreds of emoluments from heaven with the deer (lu) and cypress (bai) together forming the pun shoutian bailu.