A Blue and White 'Floral Medallion' Jardiniere Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

with deep rounded sides flaring from a flat base to a lipped rim, deftly decorated around the exterior in tones of cobalt with five large floral medallions wreathed in foliate strapwork frames, all between pendent ruyi and composite flower sprays contained within interlinked lobed panels around the rim and petal panels encircling the base, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character Qianlong seal mark within a recessed medallion (apocryphal)

The jardinière is in overall good condition. There is some wear on the rim and footrim and a few firing specks on the interior. The vessel was possibly originally intended to be decorated in the doucai palette.
"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."

This jardinière was probably intended to be completed in doucai enamels. Compare a doucai-enamelled example sold in these rooms, 20th November 1985, lot 122. Another is illustrated in the Sekai toji zenshu/Ceramic Art of the World, vol. 15, pls. 94 and 95.