A FAMILLE-VERTE HEXAGONAL JARDINIERE QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

the sides with six recessed panels each finely painted with scenes of Magu with attendants and attributes of longevity, in delicate tones of green, yellow, iron-red, black and gilt, the interior unglazed, all supported on five bracket feet, the central drainage hole filled with a circular plug, wood stand (2)

Acquired in the 1940s or 50s and thence by descent.

One of the rim corners has a restored section approximately 7.5 cm in length. The rim with a small glaze frits, wear to the corners and a tiny glaze gap. There is small firing tear to the inner rim. One of the long panels has two discolored burst glaze bubbles towards the base. There are two firing cracks to the interior along the long sides. One of the feet has a large wedge-shaped chip. The surface and enamels with expected wear. The plug at the base is not original to the piece.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Two jardinières of this rare type have sold at auction. One was sold at Christie's New York, 23rd March 1998, lot 207, and the other was sold in these rooms 8th April 1988, lot 202, having previously sold in the Yamanaka sale and exhibition Collection of Chinese and Other Far Eastern Art, New York, 1943, no. 1174.

The delicate  manner of the enameling on the present jardinière is particularly fine. Compositions such as the varying scenes of Magu were often derived from wood block prints; a device in popular use since the late Ming dynasty. However the deft, painterly brushwork on the present piece represents one of many signal achievements and innovations of Kangxi period porcelain production.