A FINE ARCHAISTIC GILT-BRONZE VESSEL, GU QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the slender trumpet-shaped body with four vertical flanges enclosing stylised archaistic characters highlighted in gilding on a black key-fret ground, the trumpet-shaped upper section decorated in reverse with four upright blade-shaped panels, the details cast in low relief on a gilt key-fret ground over a marbled frieze, the interior and deep foot heavily gilded

Sotheby's London , 15th April 1983, lot 106.

Generally good condition. There is a slight dent to one side of the base. Minor rubbing to the gilding on the exterior and the inside of the neck. There is an area of repair 6mmby 4mm to the rim, which may be consistent with manufacture. There is also two areas of blistering 5mm by 3mm and 8mm by 8mmto the patination to the exterior below the rim. There is rubbing to the patination on the flared part of the foot.
"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 form of the present vase derives from the archaic ritual wine vessel, gu. Vases produced during the Ming and Qing dynasties were created for the literati and often employed for displaying elegant or symbolic items such as peacock feathers and flowers. A closely related vessel with the maker's mark Hu Wenming zhi ('made by Hu Wenming') and dated to the 17^th century was sold in these rooms, 12^th March 1982; and four similar examples also inscribed Hu Wenming zhi were included in the International Asian Antiques Fair, Hong Kong, 1984, cat. nos. 27, 29, 30 and 31, along with one without inscription, cat. no. 28. Compare a more elaborately decorated vase with a bulbous central section sold at Christie's London, 21^st April 1986, lot 232; and another decorated only on the centre and rim sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 13^th November 1987, lot 424.