A Peach Bloom-Glazed Beehive Waterpot Mark and Period of Kangxi

finely potted, of classic domed 'taibo zun' form, the rounded sides contracting to a narrow waisted neck below a short lipped mouthrim, subtly incised around the exterior with three medallions, each formed of the curled bodies of archaistic kui dragons, all beneath a grey-tinged crimson-red glaze characteristically suffused with shades of lighter pink and greenish-beige spots imitating the skin of a ripening peach, the recessed base and interior left white, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark in three vertical lines

Sotheby's London, 4th November 2009, lot 115.

The mouthrim has been polished by approximately 4.5 cm, probably to conceal a chip. There is an associated two-pronged hairline crack on the rim underneath the polishing running 8mm down and 1.2 cm perpendicularly. Otherwise it is in overall good condition. The actual colour is close if not a fraction paler 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."

Waterpots of this attractive glaze and form are held in important museum and private collections worldwide; see one in the Palace Museum, Beijing, published in Kangxi. Yongzheng. Qianlong. Qing Porcelain from the Palace Museum Collection, Hong Kong, 1989, p. 142 pl. 125; one illustrated in Kangxi Porcelain Wares from the Shanghai Museum Collection, Hong Kong, 1998, pl. 206; another in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, included in Suzanne G. Valenstein, A Handbook of Chinese Ceramics, New York, 1989, pl. 234; and a fourth example from the Sir Percival David Collection and now in the British Museum, published in Margaret Medley, Illustrated Catalogue of Ming and Qing Monochrome Wares, London 1989, pl. 580. See also a waterpot of this type from the collection of Edward T. Chow and the British Rail Pension Fund, sold twice in these rooms, 25th November 1980, lot 66, and again 16th May 1989, lot 61; and another sold in these rooms, 8th April 2014, lot 3077.