AN IMPRESSIVE AND RARE PARCEL-GILT BRONZE VASE (HU) QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of tall baluster form, the heavily cast pear-shaped body resting on a high splayed foot rising to a trumpet neck, the design around the exterior cast in shallow relief, and highlighted in gold, with a pair of stylized disjointed taotie masks around the body between a band of lappet leaves around the foot and neck, and a pair of keyfret bands separating raised bosses, the neck applied at either side with a ruyi-shaped handle suspending a loose ring

Collection of Lord Elgin (1811-1863).
Collection of Frederick Locker-Lampson (1821-1895).
With Spink & Son, Ltd., London, 1920s.
Brundage Collection (by repute).

Old Furniture. A Magazine of Domestic Ornament, December 1928, pp. 240-241.

The vase is in overall very good condition. It is open at the base and has no base plate. There is some casting material adhering to the inside of the vase. The gilding is slightly rubbed particularly on the keyfret bands on the neck, the ruyi-heads around the lower boder and the bands around the foot. The patina around the body and foot is slightly bluer than the catalogue illustration suggests.
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 impressive and large vase belongs to the same group as two parcel-gilt bronze vases of similar size and design formerly in the collection of Alfred Morrison, sold at Christie's London, 9th November 2004, lot 16.