A LARGE PARCEL-GILT VASE, GU QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of hexagonal section with a slender flared neck incised with a meandering peony vine on each side, separated by notched flanges, the decoration echoed on the tall splayed foot, interrupted in the middle with a bulbous belly, decorated on each side with a silver lobed panel enclosing high-relief flowers and fruits including peonies, grapes, pines, peaches and prunus reserved on a circle-punch ground and set against an incised floral ground with varying flowers

The overall condition is quite good. The mouthrim probably orginally had a band on the exterior that is now missing. There is a 1cm crack to one of the corners on the interior of the mouth.
"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."

Based on the archaic ritual bronze gu, the present piece is notable for its impressive size and delicately rendered decoration. See two hexagonal gu vases, with incised decoration on the interior of the rim but with flanges on only the bulbous belly, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in A Special Exhibition of Incense Burners and Perfumers throughout the Dynasties, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1994, cat. no. 101.

The combination of high-relief and incised decoration recalls the techniques seen on Tang dynasty gold and silver wares; for example compare an octagonal cup with figures in relief against an incised scrolling leaf background illustrated in The National Treasure Collection of Rare Cultural Relics of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, 1998, p. 40.