A SMALL CLOISONNE ENAMEL AND GILT-BRONZE 'CHILONG' VASE, HU MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG |

of rectangular section, cast with a pear-shaped body rising from a short foot to a flaring mouth, the neck flanked by a pair of gilt-bronze mask handles, each suspending a loose ring, the body of the vessel decorated with two main turquoise-ground registers divided by a band enclosing taotie masks against a dark blue ground, each of the main bands similarly rendered with pairs of confronting chilong soaring above waves and jagged rockwork, all between bands of stylised ruyi motifs encircling the rim and foot, the base with a four-character reign mark within a double square

Good condition, with just minor rubbing to the gilding and other general 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 archaistic form and stylised chilong on this superbly enamelled vase encapsulates the Qianlong Emperor's reverence for antiquity. The current vase is unusual for its elegant hu-shaped hexagonal form. The enamelled decoration of a pair of confronting dragons is particularly powerful and of high quality. Vases of this shape have their roots in archaic ritual bronze hu vessels. However, the Qing craftsmen added their own design elements and made liberal changes to the prototype, thus creating pieces that were contemporary and unique. For example, the flaring neck replaces the plain, broad and shorter neck characteristic of the archaic vessels. For a larger cloisonné enamel flask of the same period from the Qing court collection and still in Beijing, intricately enamelled with similar stylised dragons and sharing other distinct characteristics, including identical treatment of the mark and the ruyi border at the foot, see The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Metal-bodied Enamel Ware, Hong Kong, 2002, p. 105, pl. 102.