A RARE BLUE AND WHITE SOFT-PASTE VASE QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

of tall oviform shape with rounded sides tapering to a flat foot and rising from the rounded shoulders to a waisted neck with everted rim, exquisitely painted in sapphire-toned underglaze blue on a soft white ground enmeshed overall by a fine craquelure with a continuous landscape depicting a boatmen ferrying passengers across a river, peasants on a bridge carrying bundles and two scholars conversing within a pavilion all amidst lush foliage, craggy rockwork and calm waters and backed by a rocky mountainous view, with modern fitted stand and cover (3)

President Herbert C. Hoover (1874-1964).
Mr. Allan Hoover.
Ralph M. Chait Galleries, Inc., New York.

The vase has some minor patches of pale grayish discoloration to the lower body and a minor glazed over firing fault on the neck, otherwise in 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

President Herbert Hoover and his wife, Lou, created a very fine collection of Chinese blue and white porcelain.  The collection began while they lived in China around 1900 where he was employed as a mining engineer in Tianjin, and became a lifelong passion.  At one point there were over 400 pieces in their collection.  The president continued adding to the collection until his death in 1964 which was some twenty years after his wife's passing. At that time many of the pieces went to the family while others may be seen today at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa.