AN IRON-RED AND GILT-DECORATED VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF JIAQING

of baluster form supported on a low foot, the waisted neck flanked by a pair of light blue enamelled 'C'-shaped foliage handles, each side of the body painted with a large lotus blossom enclosed within foliate scrolls, below a slightly smaller lotus bloom suspending a lantern at the shoulder, surrounded by endless knots and bats flying amidst floral scrolls and swirling clouds, all painted reserved on an even iron-red background, the interior and base glazed turquoise, the underside inscribed in iron-red with a six-character reign mark

There are some enamel flakes to the turquoise-glazed interior; the largest flake measures about 0.7 x 1.8 cm. The handles have some crackles and minor tiny flakes to the light blue enamels. Except for some minor expected wear to the gilt decoration (especially to the footrim), the overall condition of the vase is quite good.
"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."

An iron-red ground gilt-decorated vase of similar design, also of Jiaqing mark and period, is in the Huaihaitang Collection, exhibited in Ethereal Elegance: Porcelain Vases of the Imperial Qing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2007, cat. no. 83.