A BLUE AND WHITE 'PEACH' MOONFLASK QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

the flattened circular body rising from a short spreading foot to a tall trumpet neck flanked by a pair of ruyi handles, moulded in low relief to the front and back face with a peach-shaped panel painted in rich cobalt-blue tones with bats amongst fruiting peach sprays, reserved on a leafy floral scroll ground and similarly decorated to the sides and neck, the foot with a 'classic' scroll, the base inscribed with a six-character Qianlong seal mark

Acquired in Hong Kong, 20th June 1984.

There are some nicks / surface fritting to the glaze, around the mouth rim as well as along the edges of the raised panels and further impurities or pinholes in the glaze along the edges of the flask. Some of the glaze have unusually dripped from the interior rim to the bottom of the flask, showing on the inside. The actual tone of cobalt is somewhat brighter 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."

Although closely related to mark and period examples, the glaze drops visible on the interior of the vase and the writing of the mark prevent the vase from being safely ascribed to the Qianlong reign. For mark and period examples, see a moonflask sold in our Paris rooms, 18th December 2009, lot 263, and another sold in our London rooms, 9th November 2011, lot 201.