A BLUE AND WHITE PEAR-SHAPED VASE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

painted with bamboo and plantain amongst rockwork in a fenced garden, below bands of scrolling foliage, classic scroll and ascending leaves below the turned over rim

The vase is in good overall condition with the exception of a 3cm repaired to the footring and an associated firing line, minor firing imperfections including iron-spot glaze imperfections and light glaze scratches.
"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 design on the present piece became popular in the Qianlong period and versions with varying bands of decoration encircling the neck and foot were produced; see a related vase of slightly smaller size, but with one band of foliage scrolls beneath the stiff leaves on the neck and a band of lappets above the foot painted with flower heads, sold in these rooms, 11^th July 1978, lot 219; another sold at Christie's London, 23^rd July 1973, lot 133; and a third sold at Christie's London, 10^th December 1979, lot 247. Compare also a slightly larger vase of this type, but with a more elaborately rendered fenced terrace and lingzhi-filled lappets and the neck decorated with a classic scroll beneath long stiff leaves, sold at Christie's New York, 30^th March 2005, lot 371. For a related example inscribed with the Qianlong reign mark and of the period, see the pieces from the imperial collection, included in Porcelain of the National Palace Museum. Blue and White Wares of the Ch'ing Dynasty, book 2, Hong Kong, 1968, pl. 12; and one in situ in the Hall of Fragrance (Xundian) in the Forbidden City, illustrated in Hu Chui, The Forbidden City. Collection of Photographs by Hu Chui, Beijing, 1998, pl. 63.

The motif of bamboo, plantain and rocks has been much favoured by Chinese literati on account of its auspicious connotations. Traditionally, bamboo symbolises longevity, as it remains green in winter, and endurance and loyalty as it does not break in the wind. The banana or plantain tree, much admired by the Chinese for its fruit and large ornamental leaves, is a symbol of education. Classical legends tell the tale of a scholar who wrote on plantain leaves since he was too poor to afford any paper. Rocks represent durability and steadfastness, and are symbols of reliability and friendship. The design originates from porcelain of the Hongwu period, and vases of closely related form and design are known from the Yongle reign, such as the vase in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Blue and White Porcelain with Underglazed Red (I), Hong Kong, 2000, pl. 33.