A BLUE AND WHITE 'FLORAL' BOTTLE VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG |

with a tapering cylindrical body rising from a short foot to an angular shoulder and surmounted by a tubular neck, the exterior gently moulded with ten vertical panels, each painted with leafy floral sprays, the neck similarly decorated with a wide band of floral sprays, all divided by foliate, lappet and floral scroll bands, the rim and foot encircled with classic scroll borders, the base inscribed with a six-character seal mark, wood stand

There are two areas of Japanese kintsugi restoration to the foot, measuring approx. 5.5 cm and 0.6 cm respectively, the former with a stabilised associated hairline on each end, the latter with a larger stabilised section. There are minor flakes to the foot.
"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 form of this vase derives from early Ming ewers, such as one illustrated by John A. Pope, Chinese Porcelains from the Ardebil Shrine, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, 1956, pl. 54 (bottom right). Another Qianlong reign-marked vase of the same pattern and size is illustrated in Xu Huping, Treasures in the Royalty: The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2003, p. 239; and another vase in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Blue-and-White Ware of the Ch'ing Dynasty, Book II, CAFA, Hong Kong, 1968, pl. 4. A number of these has been sold at auction, including a vase from the Toguri Collection, sold in our London rooms, 9th June 2004, lot 12, and another from the Shorenstein collection, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1st December 2010, lot 2969.