A FLAMBE-GLAZED 'POMEGRANATE' LOBED VASE INCISED SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

of hexalobed form, the bulbous body rising from a gently flared foot to a mouth folding out into six lobes splayed over the slightly waisted neck, covered in a sumptuous cherry-red glaze with attractive lavender streaks extending vertically to the foot from each lobe, the rim and interior glazed in mottled lavender-blue, the base applied with a celadon and coffee-coloured glaze and incised with a six-character seal mark

A Japanese collection.
Kochukyo, Tokyo, 2002.

The vase is in good condition with the exception of a pronged hairline crack in the glaze above the mouthrim extending approximately 7 cm horizontally along the edge.
"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."

This hexalobed form with everted mouth is a Qianlong innovation and the charm of vases of this type is achieved by combining this pomegranate-inspired form with the flambé glaze. A closely related example is published in the Illustrated Catalogue of Ch'ing Dynasty Porcelain in the National Palace Museum, vol. 2, Taipei, 1981, pl. 75; one in the Capital Museum, Beijing, is published in Xiong Liao, Beauty of Ceramics. Gems of Official Kilns, Taipei, 1993, pl. 148; and another is illustrated in John Ayers, The Baur Collection Geneva. Chinese Ceramics, vol. 3, Geneva, 1972, pl. A291.

See also a vase from the J.M. Hu and Hall family collections, sold in our New York rooms, 4^th June 1985, lot 46, and again in these rooms, 2^nd May 2000, lot 564; another sold in these rooms, 9^th October 2007, lot 1532; and a third vase sold in our London rooms, 13^th July 2005, lot 209.