清十八世紀 闘彩「穿花龍鳳」紋梅瓶

the well-potted tapering body rising from a recessed base to broad rounded shoulders and a narrow short waisted neck, brightly enamelled within an underglaze-blue outline, depicting a dragon and phoenix amongst large floral blooms borne on meandering leafy stems, all below a keyfret band, the neck encircled with linked ruyi heads

This vase is in good condition, but there is some cracking/crazing to the green and aubergine enamel in various places.
"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."

John Buchanan-Jardine 爵士收藏有一相關作例，曾展於《國際中國藝術展》，倫敦皇家美術學院，1935年，編號2177；另見兩瓶例分售於倫敦蘇富比1997年12月2日，編號271及2006年7月12日，編號128；一作例曾售於香港蘇富比1995年10月31日，編號512。清宮故藏有一瓶例，瓶肩略寬，足部環飾蓮瓣紋，現寶蓄北京故宮博物院，錄於《故宮博物院藏文物珍品全集：五彩•闘彩》，香港，1999年，圖版237 ；另一件同類作例，錄於《美國政府清算山中商会收集中國和其他遠東藝術拍賣圖錄》，紐約，1943年，圖版1221，2007年3月22日曾售於紐約佳士得，編號345。

闘彩者，為先以釉下青花勾畫紋飾輪廓，或描出局部圖案，上釉入窰燒成後再填繪釉上彩，經低溫二次燒成。其源可追溯明代銅胎掐絲琺瑯器，乃中國瓷匠於成化年間一創新發明，故為當朝之象徵。闘彩含蓄典雅之美一直深獲清代帝皇青睞，雍正、乾隆二帝皆對之愛不釋手。