A FINE TEADUST-GLAZED VASE, HU SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

the rounded pear-shaped body rising from a short spreading foot to a tall slightly flaring neck set with a pair of strap handles, covered overall with a rich golden olive-green glaze thinning to a caramel tone at the edges of the handles and rim, the base impressed with a six-character seal mark, wood stand

A Japanese Collection.

The overall condition of the vase is very good except for a few firing flaws to one of the handles. The brown pigment on the foot is slightly rubbed off. The actual colour is slightly greyer than the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Vases of this shape and this type of glaze are rare; see a related example, but of slightly larger dimensions and with a plain foot and straight neck, also impressed with a Qianlong seal mark and of the period, illustrated in John Ayers, Chinese Ceramics in the Baur Collection, vol. 2, Geneva, 1999, pl. 296. A vase of similar form with a Ru-type glaze, in the Meiyintang Collection, is published in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 4 , pt. II, London, 2009, pl. 1791. Compare also a Yongzheng version of related shape with a Guan-type glaze in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Kangxi. Yongzheng. Qianlong. Qing Porcelain from the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 1989, p. 245, pl. 74.

The form of this vase derives from the archaic ritual bronze hu, and the strap handles are reminiscent of the swing handles of the original.