A BLUE AND WHITE VASE, ZUN SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

of archaistic zun form, well-painted in brilliant cobalt-blue tones with simulated 'heaping and piling', the baluster body encircled by two bands, the upper with continuous lotus scroll, the lower with a composite floral meander, all between slightly raised double-line borders, the shoulder set with animal mask and mock-ring handles, below the waisted flared neck decorated with stiff ruyi-bordered upright plantain leaves and a narrow wave band around the rim, the lower register with a further wave band above a band of pendant petal panels encircling the high flared foot, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark

Sotheby's New York, 25th October 1975, lot 208.
Christie's New York, 17th September 2008, lot 458.

Besides a curved firing crack to the right of one animal mask mock handle and another to the recessed base along the luting line, the overall condition is fairly good. There are also some occasional minute glaze wear and surface scratches.
"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."