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A FINE AND RARE CLOISONNE ENAMEL GU QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
of archaistic gu form, the central swelling section brightly enamelled with stylised taotie masks, the high spreading ribbed foot and tall ribbed trumpet neck with pendant and stiff blades within ruyi bands, the interior of the neck with lotus strapwork and all reserved on a rich turquoise ground
Provenance
From a private European collection. Acquired in the 1980's.
Condition
This rare gu is in very good overall condition with the exception of four small areas of restoration to the enamel: a 12 x 0.5cm line below the exterior rim (with associated crazing and depression to the interior), a 3 x 0.5cm., line below the exterior rim and two 2 x 0.5cm., areas to the interior of the neck; characteristic enamel shrinkage and pitting and light rubbing to the gilding.
"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
It is rare to find archaistic cloisonné enamel gu-form vases of circular section and the present piece is especially fine for its elegant slender shape and well preserved condition. A slightly smaller Kangxi mark and period gu of closely related form but with flanges on the body and foot, from the Pierre Uldry collection, is illustrated in Helmut Brinker and Albert Lutz, Chinesisches Cloisonne, Zurich, 1985, pl. 224. Compare another gu of this type and decorated with a similar archaistic design of stiff leaves and dissolved masks, sold at Christie's New York, 23rd June 1983, lot 9; and another sold at Christie's London, 31st January 1977, lot 87.