A copper-red 'double-phoenix' vase, fanghu seal mark and period of Qianlong

of archaic bronze fanghu form, the pear-shaped body resting on a splayed foot rising to a waisted neck flanked by a pair of elephant head fixed-ring handles, the exterior painted in varying tones of copper-red on the front and back with a pair of swooping phoenix clutching a blooming peony in their beaks, all amid dense flowering and foliate peony scrolls, the sides decorated with a similar peony meander, all between ruyi lappet bands at the rim and base, the foot encircled with a pendent leaf band, the base inscribed with a six-character seal mark in underglaze-blue

Marchant and Son, London.

One corner of the foot and a small area surrounding it has had some restoration, although it does not seem like the area was repainted. There is a tiny pinprick and hairline crack to one mask ring handle of approx 0.5cm, possibly caused by slight weakness in the body along the luting line. There is a tiny ironspot near the tail of one phoenix. There are a few expected light surface scratches. Otherwise the vase is generally in quite 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. 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 copper-red vase of this shape and design, of Qianlong mark and period, is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Blue and White Porcelain with Underglazed Red (III), Shanghai, 2000, pl. 176.  Compare also further two Qianlong vases of this design from the Bruce collection illustrated in Soame Jenyns, Later Chinese Porcelain, London, 1951, pl. LXXXVI, fig. 2, each painted with the same decoration of phoenix and flowers, one in underglaze-blue and copper-red and the other in coloured enamels and underglaze-blue, both sold in our London rooms, 12th May 1953, lots 131 and 129, the latter now in the Bristol City Art Gallery.

A similar vase was sold in our London rooms, 12th June 2003, lot 183; and another in these rooms, 29th November 1978, lot 281.