A RARE RU-TYPE VASE, CONG QIANLONG SEAL MARK AND PERIOD

of archaic jade form, the square section straight-sided body rising from a short spreading circular foot to a narrow tapering circular neck, moulded to each corner with the bagua, the 'Eight Daoist Trigrams', in two tiers framing an undulating raised band, pierced to one side with two pairs of holes for suspension and covered overall in a soft bluish-green glaze

This vase is in good condition, however there is a glaze frit/chip to the rim (10mm) long. There is a surface stain to glaze to the left side of one face (but is removable).
"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."

A closely related example was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 16^th May 1977, lot 188, again, 21^st May 1979, lot 111, and a third time, 20^th May 1981, lot 811; and another vase was sold at Christie's London, 16^th June 1986, lot 57. A slightly smaller Qianlong vase of this form, but covered in a Ge-type glaze, is illustrated in Sekai toji zenshu, Tokyo, 1956, pl. 94.

The shape of this vase is based on Neolithic ritual jades known particularly from the Liangzhu culture, and was revived in Longquan celadon during the Song dynasty. For a Song prototype, see one from the Baron Hatvany Collection, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 5^th November 1996, lot 605; and another vase of similar form and decoration attributed to the Ming dynasty with a crackled Guan-type glaze, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Monochrome Porcelain, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 199.