A TURQUOISE-GROUND FAMILLE-ROSE 'DOUBLE HAPPINESS' VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF JIAQING

the ovoid body surmounted by a short slightly waisted neck, deftly painted on the turquoise ground with lotus flowers wreathed by dense multi-coloured curling foliage issuing attendant leafy peaches, the shoulder further decorated with four iron-red bats set between gilt 'double happiness' shuangxi characters, between a border of yellow-ground ruyi below scrolling florets collaring the neck and multi-coloured petal lappets encircling the foot, the base glazed turquoise and inscribed in iron red with a six-character seal mark within a square panel reserved in white

Collection formed before the 1930s in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.  

There is some wear to the enamels to the four main lotus flowers around the body, including two small flakes to the enamel (approx 0.5 cm) on one, some light wear to the enamels on the petal lappet border around the foot. The gilding around the mouthrim is rubbed. Apart from this the vase is in overall 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."

A slightly smaller jar of this type and decorated with shuangxi characters, but with upright lappets encircling the neck, from the collection of the former Japanese Prime Minister, Takashi Hara, was sold together with a similar vase with shou characters in our New York rooms, 16th September 2009, lot 233. Compare also a Daoguang pink-ground jar of this type, with a seal mark and of the period, sold in our London rooms, 11th June 1991, lot 222; and a lime-green ground version with a cover, also sold in our London rooms, 13th December 1983, lot 288. The 'double happiness' character is a wish for a happy marriage and are usually found on ceramics made for weddings.