A fine carved celadon-glazed waterpot Mark and period of Kangxi

of distinctive 'horse-hoof' form, the steep domed sides finely carved on either side with cascades of billowing clouds, applied inside and out with a very fine pale green glaze pooling to a deeper hue at the recesses of the carving while draining away from the lightly lipped rim and the carving to give the design a sense of depth and movement, the concave base glazed white

The Collection of the late Diana D. Ashcroft.
Sotheby's London, 17th November 1999, lot 772. 

The overall condition is very good with only a minor C-shaped 5mm firing crack on the base of the foot and 2 minor pin holes on the base. The actual colour is very close to the catalogue illustration. The carving is very crisp and the colour is consistent throughout the piece.
"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."

Similar waterpots are in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Kangxi. Yongzheng, Qianlong. Qing Porcelain from the Palace Museum Collection, Hong Kong, 1989, p. 147, pl. 130; in Taiwan, included in the Illustrated Catalogue of Ch'ing Dynasty Porcelain in the National Palace Museum. K'ang-hsi Ware and Yung-cheng Ware, Tokyo, 1980, pl. 58; in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, illustrated in W.B. Honey, Later Chinese Porcelain, London, 1927, pl. 7a, from the Gulland Bequest; and in the Percival David Foundation, London, included in the Illustrated Catalogue of Ming and Qing Monochrome Wares, London, 1989, col. pl. B, no. 583.

Compare a closely related Kangxi waterpot sold in these rooms, 2nd May 2000, lot 609; one sold in our London rooms, 17th November 1999, lot 772; and another sold recently in these rooms, 10th April 2006, lot 1607.