A FINE LEMON-YELLOW GLAZED CUP QIANLONG SEAL MARK AND PERIOD

the rounded sides rising from a short straight foot to an everted rim, the exterior covered with an even bright yellow glaze stopping neatly at the foot, inscribed to the base with an underglaze-blue seal mark

The cup is in very good condition.
"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."

First developed at the imperial kilns in Jingdezhen during the reign of the Yongzheng Emperor, lemon yellow glaze was produced through the combination of antimoniate of iron and tin oxide, and was favoured throughout the Qing dynasty, particularly by the Qianlong Emperor. Vessels covered in this attractive glaze required the utmost attention in potting, glazing and firing as the smallest imperfection resulted in the destruction of the piece. Amongst the different monochrome glazes, yellow is the only colour that has direct imperial association. Although imperial yellow-glazed wares had been produced from the early Ming dynasty they were used exclusively for ritual ceremonies; thus lemon-yellow vessels provided the court with an alternative for daily use.

 

Compare a lemon-yellow bowl of slightly broader proportions, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 28th October 2002, lot 712, and again in our Hong Kong rooms, 10th April 2006, lot 1627; another sold at Christie’s London, 15th June 1999, lot 91; and a pair sold twice at Christie’s New York, 10th December 1987, lot 306, and 20th September 2005, lot 283, from the Rodriguez collection.

 

For the prototype of this glaze, compare a pair of Yongzheng mark and period cups, from the collection of W.F. van Heukelom, sold in these rooms, 5th November 2014, lot 51.