A FAMILLE-VERTE 'BIRTHDAY' ROULEAU VASE QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD |

the cylindrical body supported surmounted by a columnar neck and galleried rim, the body finely painted in bright enamels with gilt details with a continuous scene showing the Tang dynasty general Guo Ziyi, seated on a tiger-skin throne before a draped table set with scholarly objects and colorful pennants and receiving a birthday gift from a dignitary, the dignitary in a green four-clawed dragon robe bowing reverently below, groups of soldiers, scholar-officials, and attendants observing the exchange, the shoulder with stylized shou characters in shaped cartouches alternating with ruyi heads all against a green wanzi-fret ground, the neck with a selection of the 'Hundred Antiques' and auspicious animals, the rim with a red and green diaper band, the base with a double circle in underglaze blue, coll. no. 1391.

Ralph M. Chait Galleries, New York, 2003.

The vase is in good condition overall but there is a small restored hole in the center of the base when it was previously mounted as a lamp.
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.

General Guo Ziyu (697-781), also known as Prince Zhongwu of Fengyang, was the most distinguished general of the Tang dynasty. He was celebrated for quelling the An Lushan Rebellion (755-763) and for is contributions to expeditions against the Uighurs and Tibetans. His remarkable military victories earned him fame and wealth, and he is often depicted in banquets amidst myriad troops, tribute bearers, and descendants. Here, he is shown enjoying a birthday celebration. The General's inlaid long sword symbolically positioned at the center of the pennants, which represent the task he has relayed to officers. To emphasize the birthday theme, the vase is festooned with emblems of longevity and blessings, including shou characters at Guo Ziyi's table and around the shoulder, as well as cranes, ruyi heads, and wanzi at the shoulder and neck. The subject matter and iconography indicate that the vase was designed as a birthday gift, wishing the recipient success, longevity, and good fortune. Similar examples include a rouleau vase in the Palace Museum, Beijing illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Porcelains in Polychrome and Contrasting Colours, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 69., and one sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 2nd May 2005, lot 607.