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A MASSIVE 'RU'-TYPE DOUBLE-GOURD MOONFLASK YONGZHENG MARK AND PERIOD
Estimate
70,000 - 90,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
the flattened globular lower body supporting the upper pear-shaped bulb from which spring two long ruyi handles, covered overall with an even bluish-gray glaze, the base of the spreading foot ring dressed brown
Provenance
Sotheby's London, 12th July 2006, lot 131.
Condition
Some of the craquelure is stronger than others, the longest glaze crack running along the lower section of the body and around the four sides; it's not possible to see whether this affects the body of the vase. There are further short straight glaze cracks along the body. The body and handles with large burst air bubbles. One of the sides with a 3/4 inch firing flaw/glaze pull. 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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The present moonflask is impressive for its magnificent size and unusual glaze imitating the official 'Ru' glaze from the kilns in Henan province of the Northern Song dynasty. The Yongzheng emperor favored ceramic wares that evoked the past and this flask is a tour de force of the potters of the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen during his reign. Although similar Yongzheng examples are rare, a slightly smaller flask of this shape covered in celadon glaze, also with a Yongzheng reign mark and of the period, was sold at Christie's London, 6th June 1994, lot 205. Compare also a Qianlong celadon-glazed moonflask of related form sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 31st October 2000, lot 879.