A RARE RU-TYPE VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

the slightly compressed bulbous body rising from an octagonal foot to a columnar neck and an everted trumpet mouth, the body accented with eight sets of triple vertical ribs extending above the foot and merging into a single rib at the octagonal-facetted neck, the body and neck further divide by four horizontal rings, all beneath a pale watchet-blue glaze suffused with a fine network of golden crackles, the glaze thinning along the ribs exposing the white body, the underside inscribed with an underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark

Apart from a very slight warp to the mouth and a 1mm burst glaze bubble on the interior of the neck (at the joint to the mouth), the overall condition is very good.
"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."

This type of raised ring vessel evolved from excavated Song Guan ware from the Laohudong Guan ware kilnsite of the Southern Song in Hangzhou.  Similar vases can be found in the Huaihaitang Collection, illustrated in Ethereal Elegance, Art Museum at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2008, cat. no. 27 and a pair from the Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Hu Collection in the Shanghai Museum illustrated in Imperial Monochromes: The Zande Lou Collection, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, 2005, cat. no. 29.