AN INSCRIBED IMITATION-BRONZE WALL VASE QING DYNASTY

the flat-back vase well potted with the rectangular body modeled with indented corners, rising from a short splayed foot to a waisted neck flanked by a pair of dragon handles below an everted rim, carved and gilded to the front and sides with archaistic angular kuilong, reserved on a dark brown ground splashed with turquoise and blue enamels simulating bronze encrustation, the front centered by a slightly convex panel enclosing an imperial poem and followed by an inscription reading Qianlong guihai yuti (imperially inscribed in the guihai year of Qianlong), accompanied by two iron-red seals Qian and Long, the gilt back with a slot for attaching to the wall, all supported on a faux-bois stand and inscribed to the base in gilt with a six-character studio mark reading Liuyuchun shanfang zhi (made by the Studio of Preserving the End of Spring)

Private Collection, Vancouver, Canada.

The back of the foot has a small section missing and was later touched up. One handle was broken and repaired, and there are associated glue remnants adjacent. There is very minor paint spatter and wear to the enamels. There is a later wire wrapped around the back aperture and associated wear. The back has small spur marks from the original firing. The enamel colors are a bit darker/richer than the printed catalogue image
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.

There appears to be limited records relating to the studio mark inscribed on the present vase, although a stone seal, carved with the same studio name, is known. The seal was made by Huang Yi (1744-1801), a renowned carver and calligrapher of the mid-Qing period and one of the 'Eight Masters of Xiling.' Based on the inscription, Huang made this seal for his friend Wan Yue in the summer of the yiwei year (1774).

See a similar Qianlong imitation-bronze wall vase of this type, but inscribed with a four-character reign mark, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the museum's exhibition, The Enchanting Splendor of Vases and Planters: A Special Exhibition of Flower Vessels from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Taipei, 2014, pl. II-47.