A VERY RARE CANTON ENAMEL FLOWERPOT MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

the cylindrical body with a flat-lipped rim, the exterior divided into two horizontal registers by a raised gilt fillet in the centre, the upper register densely decorated in bright enamels with a continuous band of multicolour western-style florets, all between pendent and upright stylised florets and acanthus leaves, the lower register similarly enamelled with elaborate lotus blossoms amongst narcissus, roses and asters, the interior enamelled turquoise, the base inscribed in red with a four-character reign mark within a double-square reserved on a white ground, the waisted champlevé stand embellished with double lotus petals and florets raised on five ruyi feet

There are some expected enamel pulls, loss and scratches, especially to the edges, but most of the original enamelling and gilding is well preserved. The champlevé stand is in overall good condition with some small chips to the enamel. The top of the stand has some green corrosion and minor wear to the gilding.
"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."

Jars painted in this exceptional manner, that incorporates Western techniques with traditional Chinese decorative patterns, are rare and no other similar example appears to be published. It is a fine example of a beautifully executed piece that is a synthesis of the East and West and the colourful palette reflects the aesthetic taste of the Qianlong emperor and echoes porcelain painted in the yangcai enamels at the Imperial kilns. The rendering of traditional Chinese motifs, such as lotus blooms and ruyi heads, are painted with Western style shading techniques that give the composition a three dimensional effect and create an overall exotic quality.

A cloisonné enamel flowerpot of this form decorated with two bands of European-style florets on a red ground, but supported on three foreign figures and containing a coral tree, from the T.Y. Chao collection, was sold in these rooms, 19^th May 1987, lot 372; and another decorated with stylised flowerheads on a blue ground, but lacking a stand, from the Fonthill Heirlooms and Alfred Morrison collection, was sold at Christie's London, 9^th November 2004, lot 24.