A CHAMPLEVÉ ENAMEL AND GILT-BRONZE 'LOTUS' BEAKER VASE, GU QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of hexalobed form, the central bulb rising from a splayed foot to a flaring trumpet neck, each 'lobe' of the central section decorated with a large lotus bloom with curling leaves below petal lappets, the foot similarly decorated with a band of slender plantain leaves above large lotus blooms and a band of ruyi-shaped motifs, below a thin floral band repeated at the lower neck, the neck with a frieze of upright plantain leaves below lotus flowers borne on dense leafy scrollwork and a band of ruyi-shaped motifs, all decorated in bright champlevé enamels against the gilt ground and above a gilt footrim incised with angular scrollwork, the rim, lower neck and upper foot with cloisonné enamel angular scrollwork bands

Christie's London, 6th December 1993, lot 168.

The vase is structurally in good condition. There are small flakes to the enamel. There are minor areas of wax infilling, rubbing to the gilding in places, minor other 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."

Champlevé enamel vases, incense burners and other vessels of this quality, manufactured in Guangzhou in the Qianlong period, are discussed in the exhibition catalogue Tributes from Guangdong to the Qing Court, Art Gallery, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1987, p. 54, where the authors explain how the 'flourishment of champlevé enamels in Guangzhou was closely linked to the needs of the imperial household and was stimulated by the new foreign champlevé techniques'. Pieces were then presented by the Guangdong Maritime Customs Office for decoration in the Old Summer Palace. 

A pair of identical champlevé enamel beaker vases, part of a garniture of five, was sold at the American Art Galleries, The Remarkable Collection of the Imperial Prince Kung of China, New York, 27th February - 1st March 1913, lot 358.