A FINE PAIR OF MATCHED 'WATER SPRINKLER' BOTTLES QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

each of globular form with an elongated tapering neck, sprig-moulded overall with four detached prunus sprays and a collar of either prunus or floral scroll, and further prunus band to the neck, all separated by triangular lappet borders

Pierre Saque, Paris (according to label).

Both vases are in good overall condition with the exception of minor firing imperfections icncluding: (as illustrated) the vase on the left has a 0.6 by 0.5cm filled misfire to the footring, tiny glaze flakes to the rim, a few firing cracks mostly to the petal borders, some kiln grit stuck to the base, and it should be noted is of a slightly more creamy-white tone than the other; The other vase has some faint crackling to the glaze at the rim and two tiny glaze flakes on outer edge, minior firing cracks (the two largest to the foot, approx. 1.8cm), a 0.5cm chip to the shoulder decoration which also appears to have been caused from a burst air bubble during firing, restoration to a 6cm., wide crescent-shaped sectionof the foot and there is some kiln grit stuck to the base.
"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."

Similar bottles are said to have been derived from Persian metalware water-sprinklers, and are to be found in the former collection of Augustus the Strong in Dresden, and illustrated, P. J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, London, 1969, p. 208, pl. 27C, and in the Hickley Collection, illustrated in Kerr and Ayers, Blanc de Chine: Porcelain from Dehua, Singapore, 2003, no. 145; while another was most recently exhibited in Blanc de Chine, S. Marchant & Son Ltd., London, 2006, cat. no. 87.