清乾隆 藍釉菊瓣式茶壺 《大清乾隆年製》款

of compressed globular form, subtly moulded with two rows of narrow lobes radiating from a central band bordering the body, flanked by a short spout and a loop handle on the sides, the neck and base similarly moulded in the form of chrysanthemum petals, the exterior evenly covered with an unctuous blue glaze save for a circular panel on the base reserved white and inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character seal mark, the seal mark encircled by six spur marks on the blue ground

The mouthrim has a fine horizontal firing line of approx. 5 cm, in addition to some original fritting and filled-in flakes. The tip of the spout also has a section of approx. 0.7 cm which has also been slightly filled in, with an approx. 0.3 cm retouched glaze flake to the underside. There are also expected surface wear to the glaze.
"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."

Teapots of this type were first produced in the Yongzheng period, and continued to be produced, although in smaller number during the Qianlong reign. Compare a Qianlong mark and period teapot and cover of this form, but with a celadon glaze, from the collection of Robert Chang, included in An Exhibition of Important Chinese Ceramics from the Robert Chang Collection, Christie's, London, 1993, cat. no. 66, and sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 2nd November 1999, lot 508; and an unmarked apple green-glazed version, from the collection of Fong Chow, sold at Christie's New York, 21st/22nd March 2013, lot 1206. For the Yongzheng prototype see one sold twice in these rooms, 18th May 1982, lot 291, and 2nd May 2005, lot 673; and a flambé-glazed example from the Qing court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong. Qing Porcelain from the Palace Museum Collection, Hong Kong, 1989, pl. 112.