A CLOISONNE ENAMEL PEAR-SHAPED VASE MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

the pear-shaped body with ringed waisted neck, the flared mouth with gallery rim, all on a spreading foot, twin ruyi-head-shaped handles with pendant rings flanking the neck, the body decorated in colourful enamels with symmetrical scrollwork centered by lotus blossoms and with subsidiary blossoms and florets, all on a turquoise ground, the neck with four incised and gilt mallow blossom florets centering bound symmetrical scrolls, the upper neck and foot with floral scrolls and ruyi-head borders, the lip with scroll band, the handles with wire scrolls on a cobalt enamel ground, underside incised with the four-character mark within a double square

Gerald Hawthorn, Ltd., London.
Acquired by the present owner from the above, November 2000.

The vase is overall in good condition overall. There is moderate expected wear to the gilding at the extremities, and some enhancement to the gilding. There are small areas of restoration to enamels at the lip, and some minor crazing to enamels on the lower section of the body.
"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."

Compare a larger pair of vases of similar form, decorated with lotus and floral scrolls, with incised Qianlong mark and of the period, sold at Christie's London, 19th June, 2001, lot 140.  Compare also a pair of vases of similar form with modified neck and collar and unenameled handles, decorated with lotus and scrollwork, from an altar garniture in the Qing Court Collection, Beijing, attributed to the Qianlong period, illustrated in Metal-Bodied Enamel Ware. The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2002, no. 138, p. 144.