An Unusual Guan-Type Waterdropper Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Period

formed by two conjoined peach-shaped droppers, each with a curly stem and two lanceolate leaves, covered overall with a crackled glaze of pale grey tone, the underside with spur marks revealing the almost black body

Collection of Edward T. Chow.
Sotheby's London, 16th December 1980, lot 291.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 24th November 1987, lot 4.

The waterpot is of good condition except for 2 areas of cut/chips, the smaller one on the tip of the stem of right peach(visible in the illustration), in triangular sharp measuring 0.7 x 0.8 x 0.5 cm, and the larger one of 1 x 0.4 cm to the stem of the left peach. There are also some natural firing gaps to both stems, and the mouth of the left peach which are visible in the 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."

The present piece has been inspired by Song dynasty wares that similarly took the form of nature; compare a Guanyao waterdropper in the shape of a double lotus pod, included in the Special Exhibition of Sung Dynasty Kuan Ware, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1989, cat. no. 59; and a Jun peach-form waterdropper, included in the Special Exhibition of Sung and Yuan Porcelains, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, cat. no. 17. Waterdroppers of this type were made in a variety of media, for example see one carved from pink crystal, illustrated in Soame Jenyns, Chinese Art. The Minor Arts, vol. 2, London, 1965, pl. 170.

A symbol of immortality, marriage and renewal of life, the peach was a particularly popular motif and adorned a variety of vessels of different media.