AN IMPORTANT AND RARE CLOISONNE ENAMEL 'DRAGON' VASE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of square section with four sides and canted corners, supported on a high flared foot, and surmounted by a waisted neck of the same section, brilliantly decorated in bright cloisonné enamels on a turquoise-ground, the four sides each with a ferocious five-clawed dragon in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl' amid swirling multi-coloured clouds and above foaming waves crashing against rockwork and floral sprays, their sinuous bodies vividly captured in various poses, the corners decorated with stylised lotus blooms, archaistic scrollwork and bats, the foot with archaistic scrolls enclosing lotus blooms, and the neck decorated similarly with archaistic scrolls and bats  

Removed from the Yuanmingyuan, Beijing, 1860.
Collection of Lord Loch of Drylaw (1827-1900). 
Collection of Alfred Morrison (1821-1897).
Thence by descent to the collection of the Rt. Hon. Lord Margadale of Islay, T.D., at Fonthill House, Tisbury, Wiltshire, no. 258 (Fonthill Heirlooms). 
Christie's London, 18^th October 1971, lot 116.

The vase is in extremely good condition overall, apart from minor expected wear, concentrated to the edges and gilding. There are expected burst air bubbles throughout, some of which have been filled in.
"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."

The present magnificent cloisonné enamel vase belonged to the Fonthill Heirlooms collection which was formed by Alfred Morrison during the 19^th century. The collection included a large number of imperial wares and Chinese works of art pieces that were purchased from Lord Loch of Drylaw (Henry Loch) who brought them to Britain after the sacking of the Qing imperial palace garden, the Yuanmingyuan, in 1860.

This vase is likely to be inspired by a Ming cloisonné enamel vase of the same square form but decorated with the phoenix design, from the Qing Court collection and now in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Enamel ware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, pl. 14.  

Vessels decorated with dragons and phoenix were often made in pairs and it is likely that this vase had a companion vase with the phoenix design, after the Ming example. Vessels decorated with dragon and phoenix were considered most auspicious and the two represent good fortune and blessing for the emperor and empress. The clouds surrounding the motif also symbolize the granting of all wishes.