A 'RU'-TYPE VASE, HU SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

robustly potted, modelled after the archaic bronze, the broad pear-shaped body of oval section supported on a flared foot, moulded on each side with mock straps dividing the body into quadrants centered with a diamond, the narrow sides of the neck flanked by a pair of dragon-head handles, covered overall with a soft grey glaze suffused with a network of golden-brown crackles, inscribed on the base with the six-character seal mark in underglaze-blue, the foot dressed brown 

The overall condition is quite good. The cracklure is evenly spaced, although there are some patches where the glaze is a little uneven with a few small whitish patches in the glaze. The inside foot has a short hairline 2cm hairline.
"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."

A similar ru-type vase also with a Qianlong reign mark and of the period is illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 2, London, 1994, pl. 873; three further examples were sold in these rooms, 29^th November 1979, lot 290; 29^th October 2001, lot 576; and 20^th April 2006, lot 1624; and another was sold in our London rooms, 12^th July 2006, lot 132.

Compare a larger Qianlong jar of this form but covered with a teadust glaze in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Monochrome Porcelain, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 247.

For the prototype of this form see a Western Zhou bronze hu with similar banding but with loop handles, sold in our London rooms, 9^th December 1975, lot 7; and another bronze hu with animal handles, excavated in Shandong province and illustrated in Wenwu, 1972, no. 5, pl. 6, fig. 2.