A GOLD-SPLASHED BRONZE ARCHAISTIC VASE, HU QING DYNASTY, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

supported on a flared foot, the globular body gently rising to a waisted neck, flanked by a pair of sinuous chilong handles, their heads turned backwards and the bodies arched, all below a slightly everted mouth, the voluminous belly with three further stylised chilong in low relief, decorated overall with gilt splashes, the underside with an apocryphal six-character Xuande mark in regular script within a recessed rectangular cartouche, bronze stand

Spink & Sons Ltd., London, 1983.

The Minor Arts of China, Spink & Son Ltd., London, 1983, p. 40, no. 51.

There is an original repair in the cast inside the footring (1.7 x 0.5 cm). Otherwise the overall condition is very good with only typical oxidization to the gold splashes, light scratches or minor dents on the surface. The actual patina is of a somewhat deeper and warmer chocolate-brown tone compared to the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Among gold-splashed bronzes of the early Qing period this vase is special for its form and decoration of dragons on the main body.  It is also rare to find gold splashed vessels of this size, with the majority either smaller or much larger than the current example. 

For related examples of gold splashed vases, see an ovoid form vessel, cast with a six-character Kangxi reign mark on its base, illustrated in Robert D. Mowry, China’s Renaissance in Bronze, Phoenix, 1994, pl. 34, from the Robert H. Clague collection; and an impressive large vase with handles, inscribed with an Arabic script, included in The Second Bronze Age. Later Chinese Metalwork, London, 1991, pl. 71.