Vase bouteille en porcelaine à décor doucai Chine, dynastie Qing, marque et époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

la panse globulaire sur un pied évasé, surmontée d'un haut col légèrement cintré, le pourtour à décor de phénix archaïsants autour d'un lotus central entouré de rinceaux et dragon entre deux frises de ruyi

Christie's Hong Kong, 1-2 octobre 1991, lot 879.

There is a C-shape 44cm crack extending from the shoulder down the body up to the shoulder on the opposite side and two areas of associated cracks (4cm by 3cm, 1.5 cm by 1cm); 15 pairs of drilled holes which remain from possible past staples; slight wear of iron-red enamel in the surrounding areas of the crack; one pin head-size glazing impurity to the base of the neck; and light overall scratches to the surface. Please note that the body of the vase is of a slightly more celadon colour than illustrated 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. 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."

The present piece is notable for the unusual intricate design and only one other example appears to be known, sold at Christie's London, 12^th May 2009, lot 167. The meticulously composed design that combines archaism with original decorative motifs represents the Qianlong emperor's esteem for the past as well as his penchant for innovation.

Compare vases decorated with similar compositions, but with two facing archaistic dragons rendered in underglaze blue surrounded by large lotus blooms in famille-rose enamels; such as one sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 22^nd November 1985, lot 502; another sold in our London rooms, 9^th December 1975, lot 183, and again in our Hong Kong rooms, 24^th May 1978, lot 254; and a third example sold in our New York rooms, 18^th June 1983, lot 463.

Although vases of this form are well-known in Qing blue and white porcelain, doucai examples are rare; see an example decorated with a band of leafy scrolling lotus on the body and a similarly conceived row of elaborate lappets rising from the shoulder, offered at Christie's New York, 19^th September 2007, lot 334.