A RARE PAIR OF FAMILLE-JAUNE VASES QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

each potted on a low slightly splayed foot, the pear-shaped body sweeping to a cylindrical neck and flared mouth, applied with vivid enamels of yellow, green and pale aubergine, the body decorated with four ruyi-shaped panels each enclosing a large lotus bloom wreathed by curling foliage on a yellow ground, with similarly painted panels repeated twice below the mouth, the neck collared with bands of ruyi heads, florets, stylised lappets and pendent leaves, all reserved against a diapered ground, the base with a double-circle in underglaze blue

Collection of Alfred Morrison (1821-97), Fonthill House, Tisbury, Wiltshire (no. 477).
Christie's London, 9th November 2004, lot 3.

The neck of left vase has been broken around the pendent petal band and restuck with original pieces and only some small infilled areas as well as an associated hairline extending down for approx. 8.5 cm. Its mouth also has a restuck triangular chip of approx. 1.6 by 3.3 cm with associated minor retouched losses and a forked hairline extending down for approx. 1.2 cm, and another hairline of approx. 2 cm on the interior but only 0.3 cm on the exterior. The right vase, however, is in overall very good condition with only slight discolouration to the mouthrim and a small kiln grit with associated shallow flakes to the unglazed footring. The enamels of both vases have been generally well preserved with only light surface wear.
"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."

The enamel on these unusual vases is remarkably well preserved and retains the slightly iridescent quality that heightens their decorative nature. Their design appears to combine a variety of textile and brocade motifs to create an extremely tactile quality. In their effort to revive biscuit wares, the Qing craftsman opted for the sancai glaze combination of amber-yellow, green and brown instead of the turquoise and purple palette of the fahua tradition, which had gained much popularity in the Ming dynasty. This allowed for a fresh aesthetic that was suited to contemporaneous taste.

Famille-jaune wares of such high quality are unusual; compare a globular vase with handles enamelled with a similar motif, in the Benaki Museum, Athens, illustrated in Leigh Ashton and R.L. Hobson, Catalogue of the Chinese Pottery & Porcelain, Athens, 1939, pl. XXXIX, no. 595; and another from the collection of Mr and Mrs Alfred Clark, included in the Oriental Ceramic Society Exhibition of Enamelled Polychrome Porcelain of the Manchu Dynasty, London, 1951, cat. no. 76, and sold twice in our London rooms, 25th March 1975, lot 126, and 8th November 1994, lot 104.