AN UNDERGLAZE-BLUE AND COPPER-RED 'PRUNUS' BOTTLE VASE QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY |

the globular body rising from a splayed foot to a cylindrical neck and lipped rim, decorated with prunus blossoms in copper red against a 'cracked ice' ground in underglaze blue

Collection of Tang Shaoyi, the first prime minister of the Republic of China, and thence by descent, by repute.

Overall good condition with expected light surface wear. Typical firing imperfections including shallow kiln flakes to the foot, light fritting to the rim with a possibly associated shallow glaze flake.
"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."

In its distinctive form and decorative pattern rendered in underglaze red and blue, this vase appears to be unique and no other example seems to be recorded. The 'prunus on crackled ice' motif is symbolic of the passing of winter and coming of spring. This decorative design gained much popularity during the Kangxi period, and continued to be used in the Qianlong reign when it was applied on a variety of media, including cloisonné, ceramics and enamelled metalwares. This subject matter is more commonly known in jar forms; see one from the Qing court collection, now preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures in the Palace Museum. Blue and White Porcelain with Underglaze Red (III), Shanghai, 2000, pl. 40. Compare also two Yongzheng period pear-shaped vases in yuhuchunping form, painted with underglaze-red peaches borne on leafy blue stems, illustrated ibid., pls 193 and 194. Known as the first prime minister of the Republic of China, Tang Shaoyi (1861-1938) also served a number of diplomatic positions in Korea, Tibet, Manchuria and the United States. During his years of public service, he developed an interest in Chinese porcelain which induced him to embark on a journey of collecting upon his retirement until his death in 1938.