A MATCHED PAIR OF BLUE AND WHITE 'SOLDIER' VASES AND COVERS QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

each of tapering form with waisted neck and everted rim, finely painted with a central border of scrolling chilong amidst ruyi in reserve on a blue ground, between bands of stylised lotus with borders of upright leaves at the neck and stylised scrolling lotus at the foot, surmounted by matching domed covers with fo dog finials, together with a rare pair of Anglo-Dutch carved oak and later painted and parcel-gilt stands, late 17^{th century, in the manner of Daniel Marot, with borders of lambrequin and mask motifs}

One cover broken and restuck with large loss to inner rim, approximately 14cm across. Both vases in good general condition, with rim frits. The smaller vase with 4 small rim chips.
"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."

Magnificent soldier vases of this large form and complex design required technical virtuosity, not only in the potting of such large vessels but also in the firing of the pieces. The form of these vases was particularly in tune with late 17^th century Baroque taste and the blue and white pieces were particularly popular in Europe. Such was the popularity of these extravagant vases that according to legend the term 'soldier vase' was coined as a result of Augustus the Strong (King of Poland, r. 1697-1733) trading 600 of his soldiers for 150 vases.

Closely related vases, but with a domed knop on the cover, include one in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, illustrated in Oriental Ceramics. The World's Great Collections, vol. 11, Tokyo, 1982, pl. 114; a set of seven, formerly in the collection of Augustus the Strong and now in the Staatlliche Kunstsammlungen, Dresden, is pictured in situ in Ulrich Pietsch, China. Japan. Meissen. The Dresden Porcelain Collection, Dresden, 2006, p. 6. Another vase, but lacking its cover, was sold in these rooms, 12^th May 2010, lot 107.