A Fine and Rare Clair-de-Lune Glazed Jardinière Yongzheng Seal Mark and Period

the deep rounded sides rising from a short foot to an everted rim, covered overall with an even sky-blue glaze, the base with a four-character Yongzheng seal mark around the central aperture

Yamanaka & Co., Tokyo, circa 1940.
A New York Private Collection.
Marchant, London, 4th May 2008.

This rare jardiniere is in very good condition with the exception of some very minor 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."

The present jardinière is exquisite for its elegant small form and beautiful clair-de-lune glaze. Jardinières of this shape bearing a four-character Yongzheng reign mark are extremely rare although a vessel of similar form and size, covered in a Jun-type glaze and bearing an incised four-character Yongzheng mark on the base, was included in the Min Chiu Society exhibition Monochrome Ceramics of Ming and Ch’ing Dynasties, Hong Kong Museum  of Art, Hong Kong, 1977, cat. no. 27. Another slightly larger Yongzheng jardinière of this type but in lazurite blue-glaze and bearing a six-character reign mark on the base, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, is illustrated The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Monochrome Porcelain, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 197. Compare also a pair of slightly larger turquoise-glazed jardinières of deep flared form with lipped everted rims, attributed to Yongzheng’s reign, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 16^thMay 1977, lot 148.

Yongzheng period jardinières can be found in various shapes and glazes, for example, see a large lavender-glazed hexagonal jardinière with an integral stand glazed in a sharply contrasting colour, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 27^th April 1993, lot 70; a shallow circular shaped sky-blue glazed example raised on a dark aubergine glazed stand, published in Kangxi. Yongzheng. Qianlong. Qing Porcelain from the Palace Museum Collection, Hong Kong, 1989, pl. 97; and a robin’s-egg glazed rectangular jardinière with a four-character Yongzheng reign mark on the base sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 11^th April 2008, lot 2816.