A FINE BLUE AND WHITE OVOID VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

the ovoid body divided into four horizontal registers by three double fillets, the two central bands painted with composite and lotus foliate scroll interrupted by a pair of moulded dragon mask and ring handles, above a band of crashing waves around the base above a raised foot encircled with petal lappets, with a band of upright leaf tips on the slightly flaring neck, the base inscribed with the six-character seal mark in underglaze-blue

An English Private Collection, London.
Purchased from Robert Chang, Hong Kong, in the early 1970s.

The vase is in excellent condition. The painting is very clean and crisp. To one mask handle, there are three small stained pinprick burst air bubbles. The underglaze-blue is less dark and brighter than the illustration suggests.
"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."

Compare a Qianlong vase of this form and design in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Porcelain of the National Palace Museum: Blue and White Ware of the Ch'ing Dynasty, Hong Kong, 1968, pl. 2; and one sold in these rooms, 30th October 2002, lot 282.

Vases of this type belong to a group of Qianlong blue and white wares discussed by Julian Thompson in 'Decorative Motifs on Blue and White in the S.C. Ko Collection', Chinese Porcelain. The S.C. Ko Tianminlou Collection, pt. II, Hong Kong, 1987, p. 31, with decoration adapted from fifteenth century designs but used on a Chinese bronze shape 'alien to the fifteenth century'. This type of vase remained popular and continued being made throughout the Qing period; see a Daoguang vase included in Geng Baochang, Ming Qing ciqi jianding, Hong Kong, 1993, pl. 510.