A RARE YELLOW-GROUND GREEN-ENAMELED BOTTLE VASE QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

the pear-shaped body supported on a short and slightly flared foot, narrowing to a slender truncated neck, the lip finished with a ring of white glaze, incised to the exterior with a dominant writhing dragon confronting a smaller dragon below, the latter skimming the surface of cresting waves, amidst flames and clouds, all reserved against a yellow ground, the base incised with an apocryphal six-character Zhengde reign mark

Acquired in Asia during the 1930s-40s by Dr. Anthony James Delario, Chestertown, Maryland.
Thence by descent to the present owner.

The neck has been reduced and applied with white glaze at the lip. There is a 2 1/2 inch long glaze crack running from the rim. The green enamel is very strong. Scattered bits of tiny iron spots on the body. Some minor surface scratches. In otherwise good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A very similar bottle vase featuring the same motif, but with an incised Jiaqing mark, appears to be the only other comparable example sold at auction, in our Hong Kong rooms, 29th November 1978, lot 357. The comparable vase, with a ruyi-head border below the lip, provides a clue as to the original design of the present vase's upper section. A jar decorated with the identical motif, with an incised Jiaqing seal mark, was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28th April 1997, lot 800.