- 1653
A MELON-SHAPED 'GUAN'-TYPE VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG
Estimate
200,000 - 250,000 HKD
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Description
the globular melon-shaped body carved with lobes around the sides and rising to a slightly inturned mouth of similar lobed form, flanked at the sides by a pair of handles moulded as butterflies, all beneath a soft grey glaze suffused with a fine and even network of black crackles, the base inscribed with the six-character seal mark in underglaze-blue
Provenance
A Private Japanese Collection.
Condition
The vase is in very good condition. There is a glaze gap to the top of one butterfly handle, of approx 0.2 by 0.1cm, and another on the interior running vertically approx 4cm.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The unusual shape of this finely potted vase exemplifies the technical proficiency of Qing period craftsmen which allowed them to produce vessels that were creative and perfectly suited the Qianlong emperor's taste for the idiosyncratic and unique. This piece is extremely rare and no other vessel of this form appears to have been published.
The Qianlong emperor favoured works that were visually charming but that were also steeped in tradition and auspicious associations. Skilfully covered in a glaze that imitates the highly prized Guan ware of the Song dynasty (960-1279), the combination of butterflies with melons symbolises the wish for numerous descendants.