A CELADON GLAZED VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

well potted with full rounded sides, gently rising to a short neck, moulded on each side in low relief with an ear, covered overall with an even soft sea-green glaze, the base inscribed with the six-character seal mark in underglaze-blue

A Private Japanese Collection.

There are minor surface scratches to the interior but otherwise the vase is in excellent condition overall.
"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 refined elegance of this vessel exemplifies the restraint and understanding of minimalistic aesthetic by the potters of Jingdezhen.  Inspired by the prized classic Song dynasty Longquan 'kinuta' glazes, the potter reduced all unnecessary decoration to focus the attention on the glaze.  See a pair of ovoid celadon vases in the Meiyingtang Collection, illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyingtang Collection, vol. 2, London, 1994, p. 205, no. 858.