A RARE 'FAMILLE-ROSE' ENAMELLED MILK-WHITE BEIJING GLASS VASE QIANLONG SEAL MARK AND PERIOD

formed from a solid block of opaque milk-white glass the ovoid body set with a slender cylindrical neck, painted in pastel toned enamels with a prunus branch blossoming pink buds, intertwining with a bending branch of green bamboo, the base inscribed in red with a four-character seal mark

Apart from a minor chip to the footrim, approx 0.6cm across, and some dirty burst air bubbles, the overall condition is good. The green enamel is slightly overfired near the top of the branch and the green enamelling also has some characteristic bubbling.
"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 very fine quality of the ware and the delicate rendition of the floral decoration in the attractive famille-rose palette make the present vase a superb example of glass wares made in the Palace Workshops during the Qianlong period. In its painting style and decorative motif it is comparable with a vase illustrated in Luster of Autumn Water. Glass of the Qing Imperial Workshop, Beijing, 2005, pl. 84, together with another small vase finely painted with seasonal flowers, pl. 85.

Glass wares of this type were inspired by porcelain vases made in the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen and then delicately decorated in the famille-rose palette in the Palace Workshops. See a pair of famille-rose vases painted with flowering branches and inscribed with poems, of related form to the present vase, sold in our London rooms, 18th June 1985, lot 200. 

The four-character sealmark of the Qianlong emperor is also found in blue enamel on an enamelled vase and a waterpot, sold together in our Hong Kong rooms, 1st November 1999, lot 490; on another waterpot in gilt, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 146; and carved in relief on a transparent blue fluted vase in the Clague collection, included in the exhibition The Robert H. Clague Collection. Chinese Glass of the Qing Dynasty 1644-1911, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, 1987, cat. no. 5.