A SMALL GILT-SPLASHED BRONZE DOUBLE-VASE, PALACE WORKSHOPS, BEIJING INCISED SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

consisting of two conjoined vases in the form of persimmons with slightly flaring long cylindrical necks, the larger vase with a band of upright ruyi-heads around the mid-body, the neck further entwined with a leafy branch, the base incised with a four-character Qianlong nianzhi reign mark, the smaller vase similarly decorated with a band of pendent ruyi-heads, the base of the neck encircled by a wan symbols and the foot cast with a calyx with three leaves, stand

Christie's Hong Kong, 13^th January 1987, lot 420.

There are some old nicks and scratches to the surface and the gilding has been rubbed and scratched, but the overall condition is very good. There are some malachite specks of oxidation on the bronze surface. The actual size is about 10% smaller than the catalogue illustration.
"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 present finely cast and decorated miniature double-vase belongs to a small and special group of wares that was particularly appreciated by the Qianlong Emperor who was an enthusiastic collector of curios and miniature artefacts. He kept his 'small' treasures, made in a large variety of mediums and precious materials, in specially crafted boxes.

A miniature bronze double hero's vase, bearing a Qianlong reign mark, from the Winkworth collection, is illustrated in R. Soame Jenyns and William Watson, Chinese Art. The Minor Arts, London, 1963, pl. 50. See also a miniature gilt-splashed double-vase comprising of an arrow-head vase with an ovoid body conjoined with a compressed ovoid guan vessel, incised with a four-character Qianlong reign mark, from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat Collection sold in these rooms, 8^th October 2009, lot 1801.

A Qianlong mark and period double vase, from the collection of Robert H. Clague, was included in the exhibition China's Renaissance in Bronze: The Robert H. Clague Collection of Later Bronzes 1100-1900, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, 1993, cat. no. 40; and one related in form and decoration to the Clague vase was sold in our London rooms, 13^th July 2005, lot 251, also with a Qianlong reign mark on the base.

The persimmon (shi) is frequently used as a design element for decorating bronze vessels. It is an auspicious fruit, symbolizing joy for its festive orange colour, and together with the lingzhi fungus forms the rebus 'may everything be as you wish' (shishi ruyi).