A FINE AND RARE PAIR OF CELADON AND GILT DRUM-SHAPED VASES SEAL MARKS AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

each of barrel shape with straight sides slightly swelling around the middle, flanked by a pair of moulded animal mask handles securing mock rings, the flat top pierced with six circular holes with the central aperture slightly larger, finely painted over a celadon glaze in gilt enamel, the body with lotus flowerheads borne on scrolling leafy stems, below two shou characters, all set between bands at the top and bottom containing a foliate scroll and a row of studded bosses, the top with five bats encircling the central aperture and further scrolls, the countersunk base inscribed with a six-character reign mark in gilt, stands

Oriental Ceramic Society, London, 1951, no. 56.

Apart from some minor scratches and light wear on the gilt, the overall condition 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."

It is rare to find celadon-glazed drum-form vases with the gilt-decoration so well preserved. It is also unusual to see Qianlong mark and period vessels of this form; although the type is known from slightly earlier, Yongzheng period, vases; for example see one sold in these rooms, 17^th November 1975, lot 154; and another sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 31^st March 1992, lot 574.

Compare a Qianlong mark and period celadon-glazed drum-form vase, but with an open top, illustrated in The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2003, pl. 344, from the Nanjing Museum; a pair of vases included in the exhibition Chinese Celadons and Other Related Wares in Southeast Asia, Singapore, 1979, pl. 224, nos. 271-272; and a single vessel from the Edward T. Chow collection sold in these rooms, 25^th November 1980, lot 96.