A FINE YELLOW-GROUND CANTON ENAMEL 'LANDSCAPE' VASE, HU, AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of archaistic baluster form flanked by square lug handles, each side decorated with an idyllic landscape framed by blue chilong and flanked by two roundels of pink chilong on the side, all wreathed by lotus scrolls and reserved on a rich yellow ground, the neck and foot encircled by a border of chilong finely enamelled in pink against a pale blue ground, the domed cover similarly decorated, the gilt rims cast with key-fret, the interior and base enamelled white

The vase is in good overall condition. There is some occasional minute wear or soiling to the enamels, consistent with age and as visible on the photo.
"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 vase is notable for its carefully executed and painterly design of a secluded landscape and it is particularly noteworthy on account of the naturalistically rendered clouds, which cleverly separate the foreground and background and create the illusion of receding space. Vases of this type, painted with such complex compositions, which cleverly combine sharp contour lines and areas filled with washes, required the highest skill and precision, and were thus probably produced in Guangzhou, where some of the most experienced craftsmen were active.

A vase of similar form and decorated with panels painted with figures in landscape against a yellow ground, from the collection of Sir Hugh and Lady Dawson, was sold at Christie’s London, 8th June 1983, lot 42, and in our New York rooms, 5th June 1985, lot 124. Compare also a Qianlong mark and period hu painted with a related design in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in the Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Enamels, vol. 5: Painted Enamels in the Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 2011, pl. 120, together with a larger example, pl. 119.