AN EXTREMELY RARE RELIEF-CARVED WHITE-GLAZED BALUSTER VASE INCISED SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

well potted with a baluster body sweeping to broad rounded shoulders, surmounted by a tubular neck and a flared mouthrim, the body decorated in relief with a continuous scene depicting several egrets flying above and wading through a lotus pond with large lotus leaves and blossoms issuing from long curving stems, covered overall save for the unglazed footring with a smooth milky-white glaze, the base incised with a six-character seal mark, wood stand

Collection of Millicent Rogers (1902-53).

In overall good condition. There is a stained hairline along the lip measuring approx. 1.5 cm. long. There is a firing hairline measuring approx. 0.5 cm. long to the centre of the reign mark.
"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 impressive vase belongs to a select group of Imperial porcelain wares produced during the reign of the Qianlong emperor that is referred to in Chinese as ‘fang Ding yao’ or ‘in imitation of Ding ware’ after the deep opaque white glaze of the much celebrated official ‘Ding’ wares of the Song dynasty (960-1279). This vase is particularly notable for the attractive and crispy relief decoration. The craftsman has paid close attention to every detail, as seen in the depiction of the egrets’ feathers and the veins of the lotus leaves. The material used for the making of white-glazed porcelain wares of this type is also special. It is a Qing innovation whereby huashi replaced kaolin, allowing the vessel to be fired at a lower temperature to avoid warping of the material and to create a rich creamy-white glaze that could be used for both contemporary designs as well as making objects imitating Ding wares.

A vase of similar baluster form, but modelled with four handles at the shoulders and decorated with a flower scroll, is published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Monochrome Porcelain, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 239; and a larger vase, with two deer-shaped handles carved on the body with cranes amongst clouds, from the collection of Dr Joseph and Donna Lee Boggs, was sold in our London rooms, 7th November 2012, lot 110. Compare also a bottle vase decorated with a lotus pond motif, from the collections of L. Allen Lewis, J. Pierpont Morgan and Marsten J. Perry, sold at Christie’s London, 24th and 25th June 1974, lot 108, and again, 11th June 1990, lot 217.

Further white-glazed vases of this type include a meiping, richly decorated in high relief with bats, peaches and shou characters, from the collection of Edward T. Chow, sold in these rooms, 19th May 1981, lot 518, and again, 11th April 2008, lot 2507.