A FINE BLUE AND WHITE STEMCUP WITH 'LANÇA' CHARACTERS SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

supported on a splayed hollow stem foot angled to the cup with steep sides rising from a flat base to a flared mouthrim, the exterior painted in bright cobalt tones with eight lança characters surrounded by an undulating stem of lotus issuing large flower-heads and curled acanthus leaves, the underside with petal lappets above bands of halved florets divided by a raised rib picked out with arrowheads, the stem skirted by ruyi-heads suspending interlinked tassels, the interior with a stylised peony medallion within a double-line border repeated at the rim, the interior of the foot inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character seal mark written in a horizontal line, wood stand

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 20th May 1981, lot 746.

The stemcup is in overall very good condition.
"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."

See the footnote for lot 3020, discussing two similar stemcups in the present sale.