A RARE PARCEL-GILT AND SILVER-INLAID BRONZE VASE MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

of restrained yuhuchun form, the elegant elongated neck gently curving to a flared lip, the body supported on a circular footrim , the exterior of the main body decorated in relief with a continuous design of four lotus flowers amidst scrolling foliage, all set against a ring-punched ground, the upper neck inlaid in silver with a key-fret collar

This vase is in overall good condition with slight rubbing of gilding and nicks to the extremities, consistent with age.
"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."

This elegant vase, with its well-proportioned form, intricate parcel-gilding and delicate punched ground, is characteristic of the remarkable workmanship from the atelier of Hu Wenming (c. 1560-1620), one of the most celebrated metal craftsmen active in the late Ming dynasty. A native of Yunjian, now part of Shanghai, he was known to have made a range of wares for the scholar’s studio, of which this skilfully crafted vase is a splendid example. The combination of silver inlay, hammering of gilt decoration of the main band and large size set the present vessel apart from contemporaneous counterparts. A related smaller vase bearing Hu's signature on the base, from the Ip Yee and Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collections, was included in the exhibition Arts from the Scholar’s Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 230, and sold twice in our Hong Kong rooms, 19^th November 1084, lot 25 and 8^th April 2014, lot 211. See also another vase with related lotus design, but of pear-shape and with a conical base, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 15^th November 1989, lot 565.