Gourde en porcelaine bleu blanc Chine, dynastie Qing, XVIIIE siècle

circulaire aplatie avec un court col droit agrémenté d'anses, le pourtour à décor de fleurs et papillons, une frise de ruyi autour du col et une bande feuillagée autour du pied

With the exception of a C-shaped repair to the rim, which appears to have been a clean break consisting of three pieces (approx. 4cm by 4cm, 1.5cm by 1.3cm, and 1.3cm by 1cm); a 0.5cm flake to the glaze of the rim and associated 0.5cm crack to the glaze; a 0.7cm glaze crack to the side of one handle; six pin head-size glazing imperfections to the neck; two tiny iron spots to the base of the neck on one side; tiny glazing impurities scattered on the body; and overall light surface scratching, this piece is in very good condition ; the flask is slightly leaned. Please note that the body is of a more celadon tone and the cobalt is of a slightly greyer tone 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 butterfly is one of the most auspicious motifs in Chinese decorative designs symbolizing blessings, happiness and longevity. Many butterflies therefore represent multiple well-wishings, with the 'Hundred Butterflies' meaning 'may a hundred blessings settle here (baifu pianzhen).

The present flask is reminiscent of earlier, Yongzheng, period vessels decorated with birds perched on flowering trees such as the flask sold in our London rooms, 12th June 1990 lot 252, of smaller size but related form. See another moonflask, also with the bird motif and with a closely related ruyi lappet collar encircling the short ribbed cylindrical neck, attributed to the 18th century, offered in our New York rooms, 26th November 1991, lot 331.