A RARE UNDERGLAZE COPPER-RED 'PHOENIX' MEIPING QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the broad round-shouldered body rising from a recessed base to a narrow short neck with everted rolled rim, painted in rich red tones around the exterior with two large phoenix amidst leafy peony sprays, all between a lotus-lappet band at the base and a flower-filled lappet collar and stiff leaf band at the neck

A Private French Collection.

The meiping is in fair overall condition with the exception of over-painting and restoration to approximately half of the neck and to one third of the shoulder, minor glaze firing imperfections and light glaze scratches.
"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."

This vase is impressive for the skilful and freely rendered design of phoenix and peonies using the temperamental copper red pigment, and no other related example appears to have been published. For a slightly smaller meiping decorated with a wide central band of a phoenix amongst flowering branches between a band of stiff leaves at the foot and a peony scroll on the shoulder, see one sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 13^th January 1987, lot 518. For a meiping vase decorated with a related design in the doucai palette, see one illustrated in The Complete Works of Chinese Ceramics, vol. 15, pt. II, Shanghai, 1999, pl. 128.

Further vases of various forms with copper red decorated designs of phoenix include a pear shape example sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 12-13^th May 1976, lot 166; and a globular vase sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 13^th January, 1987, lot 517.