清雍正 紅釉蓮苞式水盂 《大清雍正年製》款

well potted with an ovoid body tapering from a short foot, the exterior covered with an even copper-red glaze, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within a double circle

《明清一色釉瓷》，敏求精舍展覽，香港藝術館，香港，1977年，編號15

In overall good condition except a few minor burst air bubbles to the inner mouthrim. The actual colour of the waterpot is of a richer tone.
"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."

In its elegant bud-shape, this piece is inspired by Jun waterpots of the Song and Yuan dynasties. A closely related example was sold in these rooms, 20th May 1981, lot 788, and again at Christie’s Hong Kong, 28th May 2014, lot 3007. For a Song prototype, see one illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 1, London, 1994, pl. 393; and a Yuan example, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, published in A Panorama of Ceramics in the Collection of the National Palace Museum. Chün Ware, Taipei, 1999, pl. 97.

A great connoisseur of antique porcelains and with a discerning aesthetic sense for works of art, the Yongzheng Emperor demanded the highest level of craftsmanship in the production of elegant and finely manufactured implements for personal use. Imperial records note that in the 7th year of his reign (corresponding to 1729), he placed an order at the imperial kilns in Jingdezhen for waterpots of various shapes and colours to be made, many of which were inspired by antiquity. For an example, see an unmarked guan-type waterpot of this form sold in these rooms, 20th May 1980, lot 103; and a Yongzheng mark and period tea-dust glazed example of similar shape, but lobed and of larger size, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Museum’s exhibition Harmony and Integrity. The Yongzheng Emperor and His Times, Taipei, 2009, cat. no. II-58.