- 3130
A FINE MING-STYLE BLUE AND WHITE PILGRIM MOONFLASK SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG
Estimate
8,000,000 - 12,000,000 HKD
bidding is closed
Description
THIS IS A PREMIUM LOT. CLIENTS WHO WISH TO BID ON PREMIUM LOTS ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE THE PREMIUM LOT PRE-REGISTRATION 3 WORKING DAYS PRIOR TO THE SALE. BIDnow ONLINE BIDDING SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE.
decorated in underglaze-blue of fine colour with simulated 'heaping and piling' effect, the domed sides with eight petal-shaped panels enclosing the bajixiang, the central boss with motifs of ruyi heads within line and formal borders, a wide band of lotus scrolls around the edges, the cylindrical neck and splayed foot with similar borders of lingzhi, double stylised dragon scroll handles joining the shoulders to the neck
decorated in underglaze-blue of fine colour with simulated 'heaping and piling' effect, the domed sides with eight petal-shaped panels enclosing the bajixiang, the central boss with motifs of ruyi heads within line and formal borders, a wide band of lotus scrolls around the edges, the cylindrical neck and splayed foot with similar borders of lingzhi, double stylised dragon scroll handles joining the shoulders to the neck
Provenance
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 20th November 1984, lot 365.
Condition
The overall condition is very good. There is just a small glaze chip to the foot 1 cm and a 2mm nick to the glaze just above the foot. The cobalt is quite strong although the glaze is a little bubbly, giving the overall effect a slightly greyish tone in areas around the handles, neck and foot.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Qianlong moonflasks of this type are held in important collections worldwide; see one from the Idemitsu Museum of Art illustrated in Sekai toji zenshu, vol. 15, Tokyo, 1983, pl. 151; one published in the Illustrated Catalogue of Ch'ing Dynasty Porcelain in the National Palace Museum. Ch'ien-lung Wares and Other Wares, vol. 2, Tokyo, 1983, pl. 5; and another from the Avery Brundage collection in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, included in He Li, Chinese Ceramics. The New Standard Guide, London, 1996, pl. 599. See also a flask from the Edward T. Chow collection sold in these rooms, 19th May 1981, lot 544; and another sold in our London rooms, 11th December 1990, lot 327.
As a result of overseas explorations in the early Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Chinese craftsmen were influenced by Persian wares made of stone, ceramics and metal. The form of the present piece derives from metal-bodied pilgrim flasks which were adapted by Chinese potters into a porcelain vessel and decorated in underglaze blue with motifs suitable to the Chinese taste.