A CLOISONNE ENAMEL VASE, FANGZUN MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

the vessel of square section, the central body with slightly beveled upper and lower edges, divided from the flaring neck with squared lip and spreading base on a step foot by horizontal bands, the vertical corner edges of the vessel modeled with key fret-incised flanges, the main sections of the vase and interior of the mouth decorated in colourful enamels with a central lotus blossom among symmetrical scrollwork and associated blossoms, all on a turquoise ground, the band dividers decorated with red and blue 'beans' on a turquoise ground, the stepped foot with florets and scrolls, the underside cast with the four-character mark within a double square

The Property of a Lady of Title.
Christie's London, 7th December 1984, lot 170.
S. Marchant & Son, London.
Acquired from the above by the present owner, November 2000.

The vase is overall in good condition. There is scattered minor pitting and fill typical of the medium, scattered minor dings to the metal at the extremities, and minor scattered spotting to the metal.
"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."

It is unusual for Qianlong period cloisonné fangzun to be decorated with lotus scrolls.  More typically, they are decorated with archaistic motifs derived from Shang and Zhou period bronzes.  For a fangzun decorated with archaistic taotie and qilong, with four-character Qianlong mark and of the period, from the Qing Court Collection, Beijing, see Metal-Bodied Enamel Ware. The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2002,  no. 113, p. 117.  Compare also another archaistic fangzun decorated with taotie and archaised scrollwork, illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Enamel Ware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, pl. 24.