A 'GE'-TYPE VASE QIANLONG SEAL MARK AND PERIOD

of broad-shouldered baluster form, the tall waisted neck set with a pair of ruyi handles, covered overall with a bluish-gray glaze suffused with a broad matrix of gray and gold crackles

Sotheby's London, 12th July 2006, lot 134.

There is a vertical crease in the body running from the shoulder down, approximately 3-4 inches. Some of the finer craquelure has a yellowish tinge. One glaze pull on the rim and a smaller glaze pull on the base. The color is more bluish-green than the catalogue image suggests. 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.

Qianlong vases of this form are rare although a very similar piece is illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 2, London, 1994, pp. 218-219, pl. 877, where the author notes that the light gray glaze with distinct dark-stained crackle found on the vase is generally considered to imitate 'Ge' ware of the Song dynasty although the identity of the ware is not yet resolved. Compare a similar vase sold in our London rooms, 10th June 1986, lot 291, and again in our Hong Kong rooms, 20th May 1987, lot 519.