An Exquisite Beijing Enamel Lobed 'Flower' Waterpot Mark and Period of Kangxi

the lobed sides rising from a flat six-petalled mallow-shaped base to rounded shoulders and an incurved rim of corresponding form, each lobe enclosing a delicately painted spray of floral blooms bearing leaves in pink, yellow and blue enamels, including prunus, camellia, aster and peony, the furrows of each lobe divided by a purple acanthus-leaf column splitting in two at the shoulders with further blue enamels cascading down the shoulder, all between the metal-bound mouthrim and footrim, the interior enamelled in pale turquoise, the base with a four-character blue-enamelled reign mark within a purplish-red double-square, wood stand

There is old restoration at the shoulder of the waterpot which has now discoloured. It covers a 0.8cm enamel flake, which originally became detached. It was then refixed, just at the top of one of the lobes, and was then retouched. This minor restoration is visible at the right of the catalogue photo. The same lobe has a minor enamel crack of 1.9cm running vertically from the foot. There are other minor scratches and surface wear, and slight rubbing to the gilding at the foot. The colour of the waterpot and its reign mark have been accurately captured in the catalogue photo.
"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 charming waterpot, delicately painted with flowering branches using a fencai palette over a white enameled ground, reflects the innovative developments achieved by the palace enamellers during the Kangxi period. A similarly decorated waterpot in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, is illustrated in Enamel Ware in the Ming and Ch’ing Dynasties, Taipei, 1999, pl. 81; together with a small vase and box, both painted with flowers over a white ground, pls. 80 and 82; and a very finely painted waterpot was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 30th May 2012, lot 4019. See also a waterpot decorated with a dense foliate flowerscroll in the collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Zhongguo jin yin boli falang qi quanji [Complete book of gold and silver wares, glass wares and cloisonné enamels], vol. 4, Shijiazhuang, 2002, pl. 209.