an unusual small coral-ground beaker (gu) Qing dynasty, 19th century

the small vessel divided into three sections comprising the splayed foot, the bulbous waist and the long neck rising to a trumpet mouth, applied with four vertical flanges interrupted at the sectional breaks, applied overall with an even coral-red glaze save for the bluish-white-glazed interior, the recessed base glazed white with an apocryphal underglaze-blue Yongzheng mark within a double circle

The vase is in good overall condition with negligible warpage to the mouth rim. There is one glaze crack to the interior of the mouth rim, approximately 3/4 inch long, with tiny attendant glaze cracks.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Archaism, or imitation of the ancient decorative arts, was practiced in the Qing period but was first seen in the ceramics of the Northern Song dynasty. One of the major types of archaism in porcelain during the Qing dynasty related to ancient bronzes, as seen on this beaker which takes its form from early bronze vessels. Compare a similar vase, catalogued as Yongzheng mark and period and with a wood stand, sold in these rooms, 5th December 1972, lot 285.