AN UNUSUAL DOUCAI VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the ovoid body swelling towards the shoulders with gently waisted neck and lipped rim, supported on a low pedestal foot, the body decorated with leafy clusters of peaches and stylized lotus blossoms radiating scrolling leaves interspersed with bats and auspicious clouds, between bands of floral sprays, bound foliate scrolls, bats and scrolling foliage and pendent ruyi round the neck and shoulders, and upright ruyi lappets, 'C'-scrolls and dots and petal lappets around the base and foot, the shoulders set with opposing elephant-head handles, the sides of the flat-topped cover painted with a key-fret band, all surmounted by an elephant finial (2)

There is a two-pronged crack through the rim and a chip to the interior of the vase. There are chips to the enamels on the upright ruyi lappets. There is loss to the color of the trunks on the handles. There is a chip and various pin pricks to the interior of the cover, as well as some gaps in the glaze and kiln grit around the rim of the cover. There is a bruise crack to the edge of the cover stabilized to prevent it from flaking off. The elephant knop has been broken off and glued back on through the feet and the elephant has chips to the edge of one ear.
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.