AN INSCRIBED LAPIS LAZULI VASE, FANGGU QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of squared section, the exterior incised with gnarled branches of blossoming and budding prunus, one face incised with an imperial poem entitled Ti Zou Yigui Sanyi Tu ('On the subject of Zou Yigui's Sanyi Tu') by the Qianlong emperor recorded in the seventy-fifth volume of the second book of Yuzhi shiji ('The Anthology of Imperial Qianlong Poems'), the surface and side of the rim encircled with stylised keyfret borders, the stone of an intense blue colour suffused with metallic-silver specks and the incised decoration enhanced with gilt

Christie's London, 21st October 1974, lot 84.

There are minute chips and minor nibbling along the edges of the carving, some gilding has been worn off in places but the vase is otherwise in very good condition.
"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."