AN UNDERGLAZE COPPER-RED PEAR-SHAPED VASE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the ovoid body rising from a spreading foot to a tall waisted neck with everted rim, the central broad band painted in rich upper-red tones with two phoenix amongst flowering peony, all below a band of bats amongst cloud scrolls, supporting wan from tassels held in their beaks

Collection of the Nezu Museum, Tokyo.

The decoration of two phoenix amongst flowering peony scroll painted in underglaze-red is better known from hu form Qianlong period vases with elephant-head handles, such as the vessel from the Qing Court Collection and still in Beijing is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Blue and White Porcelain with Underglaze Red (III), Shanghai, 2000, pl. 176. See two further examples from the Bruce collection illustrated in Soame Jenyns, Later Chinese Porcelain, London, 1951, pl. LXXXVI, fig. 2, each painted with the same decoration of phoenix and flowers, one in underglaze-blue and copper-red and the other in coloured enamels and underglaze-blue, both sold in these rooms, 12th May 1953, lots 131 and 129, the latter now in the Bristol City Art Gallery.

The present vase is influenced by an earlier Yongzheng period blue and white ovoid form vase painted with a closely related design; see one from the W. W. Winkworth collection, first sold in these rooms, 12th December 1972, lot 101, and again in our Hong Kong rooms, 2nd December 1977 lot 605, and again, 19th May 1982, lot 206.

With the exception of minor glaze firing imperfections, including iron-spots and tiny blisters, and light glaze scratches, this rare vase is in very 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. 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."