清康熙 青花蓮塘紋將軍蓋瓶一對

each jar of massive baluster form, well-painted in underglaze blue with a continuous pond scene of lotus and other aquatic plants issuing from calm waters above a narrow lappet band, the shoulder with a pendent blue ground ruyi collar enclosing stylized floral scrolls beneath a band of floral cartouches reserved on a diaper ground, the short straight neck with blossoming branches beneath a ruyi band at the lipped rim, the domed covers decorated en suite with gilt lion-form finials,  giltwood stands (6) 

紐約中國瓷器公司1997年6月6日。

The Chinese Porcelain Company, A Dealer's Record 1985-2000, New York, 2000, p.111.

Both knobs are later added and there are two restored cracks to the neck of one jar. One of the gilt wood stands is English 18th century, the other is a contemporary stand to match.
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.

此類巨型瓷罐歸屬為一批少見的「dragoon vases 」或者「soldier vases」( 多譯為將軍蓋罐)，此名得自於1717年，薩克遜王國之奧古斯特二世以六百名士兵與普魯士之腓德烈威廉一世交換151件瓷器，其中便有數件此類巨型瓷罐。奧古斯特二世之收藏至今仍存於德國德列斯頓，其珍藏之將軍蓋罐中，有一套五件瓷罐描繪航船之景，主題一致少見難得，與現件拍品相似。這套瓷罐錄於Eva Strober，《La Maladie de Porcelaine …》，萊比錫，2001年，圖錄編號16，第15、46、47頁。此類碩大器型始造於康熙年間，多作青花，亦有五彩，後更發展出粉彩之例。因此類器物於西方市場大為盛行，並加以當時對於中國事物的熱愛，多數巨型將軍蓋罐均以外銷為主。然而，其製造程序需極高製瓷技術與投入，始得以成功製胎、繪製與燒造，更是使得此類重器聞名一時，因此某些繪製精美之器，不但得西洋顯貴喜愛，亦極有可能為中國權貴珍藏。