A FINE FLAMBE-GLAZED VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG

THIS IS A PREMIUM LOT. CLIENTS WHO WISH TO BID ON PREMIUM LOTS ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE THE PREMIUM LOT PRE-REGISTRATION 3 WORKING DAYS PRIOR TO THE SALE. BIDnow ONLINE BIDDING SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE.




 



well potted with an ovoid body rising to a waisted neck and a garlic-bulb mouth, moulded on the shoulders with two animal-mask handles grasping mock rings, covered overall with a lustrous raspberry glaze, highlighted with cascades of milky lavender-blue striations, draining away from the mouthrim and the handles to reveal a creamy-mushroom tone, the base glazed golden-brown, incised with the four-character seal mark

The overall condition is very good.
"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 a particularly fine example of flambé glaze, with the long streaks of rich purple, red and blue hues coupled with cool white creating a depth and luminosity to the glaze while accentuating the curves of the elegant form. Flambé-glazed vases of this form are extremely rare; see a vase of closely related form but covered in a Guan-type glaze sold in these rooms, 29^th November 1979, lot 293, and again in our London rooms, 29^th October 2001, lot 580.

The flambé glaze on this piece has a kinship with the 'Jun' glaze of Henan developed during the Song dynasty (960-1279). Reproductions of the Song 'Jun' glaze began at the kilns of Jingdezhen during the Xuande era in the early fifteenth century and were revived on a larger scale under the Yongzheng emperor. Qing Jun-type wares made at imperial kilns feature a hard body, a trimmed foot covered with a brownish slip and often a stamped or incised mark.