A RARE MING-STYLE BLUE AND WHITE MOONFLASK SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

of flattened globular form set with a tall waisted neck flanked by a pair of dragon handles, painted to either side in vivid cobalt blue with undulating composite floral scrolls, between pendant trefoils and upright stylised lappets, all below a band of plantain leaves, the mouth and foot encircled by bands of cresting waves, the underside inscribed with a six-character reign mark

Christie's Hong Kong, 1st October 1991, lot 958.

The neck has been restored with original pieces-off and there are only small areas of losses which have been refilled and covered with paint. Apart from a 0.5 cm minor old flake-like chip to the inner footring, the rest of the moonflask, including the handles, is in overall good condition. Restoration photos available upon request.
"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."

A closely related example is illustrated in Chinese Porcelain: the S.C. Ko Tianminlou Collection, Hong Kong, 1987, pl. 65; another was sold in our New York rooms, 20^th September 2000, lot 124, and again in these rooms, 2^nd May 2005, lot 650; and a third example was sold in these rooms, 17^th May 1988, lot 183.

The form of this moonflask derives from early 15^th century prototypes which were decorated with dragons. This celebrated early Ming period style is further referenced in the 'heaping and 'piling' technique of applying the cobalt to simulate the mottled effect of the original.