A RARE AND IMPORTANT PAIR OF FAMILLE-VERTE MEIPING QING DYNASTY, DATED XINSI YEAR, CORRESPONDING TO 1701 |

each superbly potted with a well-proportioned rounded shoulder tapering to a low, splayed base and surmounted by a short waisted neck with a gently flaring rim, the baluster body vibrantly enameled with similar scenes of scholars paying homage, in one a kneeling scholar presents credentials near a court attendant reading from a scroll, all observed by further scholars, attendants and guards; the other portraying two red-bearded foreigners showing deference, one presenting a jue, the other a boot, both within a lavish interior cleverly outlined by a voluminous drapery swag swept back to one side and the strong diagonal lines of the tiled roof to the other, the reverse with vertical rockwork of varying greens and tall leafy trees, all set between a band of striding chilong on a fish-roe ground and a chevron band around the rim, and florets on a pale green stippled ground over a narrow border of overlapping petals encircling the foot, the base inscribed xinsi nian zhi in underglaze blue (2), coll. nos 580, 581

Collection of Mrs. Collis P. Huntington (1851-1924).
Collection of Archer M. Huntington (1870-1955).
Duveen Brothers, New York.
Collection of The Norton Simon Foundation, 1964.
Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, 7th-8th May 1971, lot 28.
Ralph M. Chait Galleries, New York. 
Collection of David A. Berg.
Christie's New York, 21st September 2000, lot 328.
Marchant, London, 2002.

Porcelain Through the Ages, Sassoon House, London, March 1934.
Iranian Institute, New York, 1944.
Recent Acquisitions, S. Marchant & Son, London, 2001, cat. no. 10. 

Edgar Gorer and J. F. Blacker, Chinese Porcelain and Hardstones, Vol. I, London, 1911, pl. 118.
Jeffrey P. Stamen, Cynthia Volk with Yibin Ni, A Culture Revealed, Kangxi-Era Chinese Porcelain from the Jie Rui Tang Collection, Bruges, 2017, cat. no. 31.

The vase with the figure reading from a scroll with a consolidated body crack measuring apprx. 4 1/2 in. curving from the lower body to below the shoulder, with an associated crack at the base measuring apprx. 1 1/4 in. Each vase with a small section of restoration to the overglaze blue enamels. Both with expected wear and slight light scratches to the surface, one visible along the base of the neck with the red-bearded kneeling figures.
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.

Examples of dated Kangxi wares are quite rare and present an opportunity to better understand the evolution of stylistic and technical achievements during an era famous for innovation and change. The present lot represents a peak of porcelain production at the turn of the 17th century which is evident in the sophisticated use of layering in the form, composition and enameling of the vases. The meiping form is strengthened by the additional splay of the foot with lappet decoration creating the illusion of a support for the vase. The composition of the painted subject matter brilliantly conforms to the shape of the vase with the main action taking place within the widest section. The intense layering of color and design within the scene by means of linear perspective, contrasting tones and rich enameling, serve to heighten both the narrative and overall visual impact. The ability to successfully convey multiple meanings through narrative imagery, symbols, color, and form, a feat exemplified by the present vases, reached new heights during the Kangxi period. The vases each depict customary displays of homage by aspiring scholars to provincial governors. It is unclear whether the seated officials are retiring from office or are newly appointed but establishing credentials and gaining merit through tribute would have been expected of lower ranking officials. The gift of a boot would seem unusual, however, there was a tradition that new boots symbolize a fresh start and it was understood that the old pair would remain at the previous post symbolizing enduring affection. 

A vase with the same subject matter from the Ionides Collection was sold at Sotheby’s London, 14th July 1964, lot 377.