A FINE 'RU'-TYPE VASE (HU) QIANLONG SEAL MARK AND PERIOD

of pear-shaped form, the rounded sides resting on a slightly flared foot rising to an everted mouthrim, the shoulder molded with a raised band and set with a pair of stylized elephant handles, covered overall in a pale greyish-blue glaze, the base inscribed with a six-character Qianlong seal mark in archaising characters

There is a less than 1/4 inch bruise to the glaze on one side and a few small scattered surface scratches. In very good overall 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.

This vase is exceptional for its magnificent size and fine glaze in imitation of Song dynasty 'Ru' ware. The crackled wares of 'Guan' , 'Ge' and 'Ru' of the Song period were highly regarded by the Qianlong emperor who not only collected them but also commissioned the making of new porcelain with similar glaze from the Imperial kilns for his appreciation. The present vase is an outstanding example of the very high quality monochrome wares produced in the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen during his reign.

A related example was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 24th November 1987, lot 138. Two smaller vases of this form and glaze were sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 18th May 1988, lot 234; and the other, 29th April 1997, lot 578. The type is also known covered with a teadust glaze, such as one illustrated in Sekai toji zenshu, vol. 15, Tokyo, 1983, pl. 277; and another from the Yokogawa Collection in the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo, published in The Illustrated Catalogue of Tokyo National Museum. Chinese Ceramics II, Tokyo, 1990, pl. 702.