A PAIR OF 'FAMILLE ROSE' 'SOLDIER' VASES AND COVERS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each body of baluster form with waisted neck, brightly enamelled around the exterior with a pair of phoenix in a garden enclosing peony blooms issuing from rockwork, all within diaper bands, the domed cover with an elaborate floral band and surmounted by a lion dog finial, with two black and gilt lacquer hexagonal stands, painted with figure panels

Sir John Hussey-Delaval, Lord Delaval (1728-1808), thence by descent.

One vase has a hairline crack from the rim. Both covers have restoration to the lion finials. Otherwise the condition is good except for some iron spots and glaze inconsistencies (raised dimples) to the body in several areas. There is some green enamel flaking to the leaves on one vase and there are areas of fritting to the iron-red scroll to the base of this vase.
"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."

Magnificent soldier vases of this elegant form and finely enamelled decoration display the technical virtuosity of potters and painters of the Qianlong period. The present pair of vases is an impressive example of the expensive, extravagant garnitures that were fashionable and in high demand at the time.

The ruyi-shaped collar surrounding the rims of the present pieces is unusual, however a pair of vases similarly decorated with a phoenix amongst trees of blossoming peonies and band of vertical panels at the foot, but with an elaborate scroll on the shoulders and shaped landscape panels to the neck, in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, is illustrated in Christian J.A. Jorg, Chinese Ceramics in the Collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1997, pl. 255; and a single vase from the Greville Collection, is published in George C. Williamson, The Book of Famille-Rose, London, 1927, pl. LV11 (left).

Compare vases of this form and size enamelled with a more stylised variation of the phoenix and peony motif between diaper bands, such as a pair from the Keck Collection, sold in our Monte Carlo rooms, 13^th February 1983, lot 329, and again in our New York rooms, 5-6^th December 1991, lot 29; and two pairs sold at Christie's London, 27^th June 1977, lot 85, and 14^th May 1977, lot 55.

The popularity of traditional Chinese motifs in Europe is evident on these vases, which depict the highly auspicious motif of a phoenix and peonies to represent the wish for wealth, rank and good fortune.

Lord Delaval's house in Hanover Square, which was remodelled for him by the Scottish Neo-Classical architect Robert Adam (1728-92) between 1781 and 1783, contained a number of pieces of Chinese porcelain. These exceptional vases appear to have been the centrepieces in the ante-chamber which led from the hall to the large drawing room, where further Chinese jars were displayed. Additionally, an arrangement of Chinese blue and white vases adorned the adjacent breakfast room, along with a bookcase of Chinese form. This pair may represent the vases bought by Lord Delaval from the collection of a Mr Lever through the auspices of Thomas Waring on 2^nd May 1778, those referred to as 'remarkable for their size and beauty', at the considerable cost of 30 guineas (The Seaton Delaval Papers, Northumberland Collection Services DE.31-2).