A RARE 'EEL-SKIN' GLAZED TRIPOD FLOWER VESSEL SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG |

with a compressed globular body supported on three short conical feet, the underside of the belly studded with bosses, the shoulder set with a pair of loop handles, covered overall in a thick olive-green glaze suffused with golden speckles stopping neatly around the tips of the feet, the base with a four-character seal mark

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8th April 2011, lot 3003.

The base and centre of each handle have been restored.
"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 ever-improving technical ability of the Jingdezhen potters during the Yongzheng period, set of a number of inspiring and ambitious ventures which included the re-creation of completely different media in ceramics. Wood, lacquer, metal and stone became popular materials to be imitated, amongst which bronze simulations demanded skills far more challenging and ambitious than what was normally expected. The opaque and mottled glaze on this piece, which is known as ‘eel-skin’, was achieved through the high concentration of iron oxide in the glaze, and required to be fired in a weak reduction atmosphere and slowly cooled to result in this unique patina that resembles bronze.  A closely related jardinière was sold in our London rooms, 21st June 1983, lot 336; and a tripod censer of globular form, also with Yongzheng mark and of the period, from the collection of H.R.N. Norton and later in the Hall Family Collection, sold in these rooms, 2nd May 2000, lot 537. Compare also a similar vessel in flambé glaze in the Hong Kong Museum of Art, illustrated in The wonders of the potter's palette: Qing ceramics from the collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1984, cat. no. 62.