A SMALL PARCEL-GILT BRONZE 'PEACH AND GOURD' WATER VESSEL SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

cast in the form of a hollowed peach with a bat in relief flying with outstretched wings just below the lipped mouth, the fruit borne on a leafy stem issuing two gourds forming a brushrest, entwined with meandering vines, the vessel further adorned with gilt splashes concentrated near the gourd and the bat, the base inscribed with a four-character reign mark, wood stand

J.J. Lally & Co., New York, June 1988.
Hugh Moss (HK) Ltd., 1988.
Collection of Mary and George Bloch.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 23rd October 2005, lot 7.

The overall condition is very good, only with the exception of some minor dents and typical wear to the gilding (shown in 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."

The present finely cast peach-form washer belongs to a special group of wares that was particularly appreciated by the Qianlong emperor who was an enthusiastic collector of curios and miniature artefacts that were either contained in specially crafted treasure boxes or kept in his private studios. The exceptional quality of this washer with the attractive gold splashes and the addition of the emperor’s four-character reign mark on the base suggest that the vessel is possibly the product of the Palace Workshop. It would have been placed on the emperor’s writing table and used as a washer, a brushrest or even as a paperweight. Apart from its utilitarian function, it is small enough to hold in one’s hand and to be enjoyed privately.

For further discussion on this group of miniature bronzes with gold-splashed decoration and their attribution to the Imperial Palace Workshops, see Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts of the Scholar’s Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, p. 244, where a miniature double-vase is illustrated, cat. no. 236.