A BLUE AND WHITE 'FIGURAL' GARLIC-NECK BOTTLE VASE MING DYNASTY, CHONGZHEN PERIOD |

the compressed globular body supported on a straight foot, tapering to a waisted neck with a raised bulb below a flared mouth, finely painted in brilliant shades of cobalt with a lush landscape framing an elderly man giving directions to a grateful soldier, accompanied by five flag bearers, one on horseback, above a band of petal lappets and below a floral scroll band at the shoulder, the neck with sprays of stylized tulips, the bulb with a meandering lotus scroll, the recessed base glazed white

C. C. Lai Antiques, Toronto, 1960s-1980s, and thence by descent. 

The mouthrim is restored and covered with overspray all around. A vertical kiln crack to the body approx. 1.8cm long. There is also a firing imperfection to the body underneath the glaze to the upper bulb.
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.

The present vase belongs to a group of similarly shaped vessels painted with figural scenes and stylized tulips, which may suggest that they were made for or influenced by the Dutch market. See a similar example exhibited in Transitional Wares and Their Forerunners, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 1981, cat. no. 70, where it is noted that a vase of this type appears in Still Life with a Pilgrim Flask, Candlestick, Porcelain Vase and Fruit by Willem Kalf, likely painted before 1646. A similar vase is also illustrated in Chinese Porcelain: The Transitional Period 1620-1683: A Selection from the Michael Butler Collection, Leeuwarden, 1986, pl. 72, where it is noted that the form originates in 16th century Isnik ceramics.