A RUBY-RED OVERLAY WHITE GLASS 'ALTAIR AND VEGA' BOTTLE VASE QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

of globular form supported on a straight foot, sweeping up to a tubular neck and flanged rim, the opaque white body overlaid with a layer of bright translucent red glass, carved to one side with Vega depicted as a flying apsara and to the other side with Altair as a cowherd riding a buffalo, all amidst branches of flowering crab apple and prunus

The Henrich Collection.
Collection of Professor P.H. and Mrs. T. Plesch.
Sotheby's London, 12th November 1979, lot 10.

The vase is on good overall condition. There is a minute flake to the side of the mouth rim, possibly original to the vase, and a minute air bubble under the foot ring. There some light soiling and a few original specks in the white opaque ground.
"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."

A pair of vases of similar form, overlaid in green against an opaque white ground with a flowering prunus, from the Toms collection, was sold in our London rooms, 7^th / 9^th June 1995, lot 20.