- 174
A RARE INSCRIBED WUCAI ALTAR VASE DATED KANGXI 26TH YEAR, CORRESPONDING TO 1687
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- ceramic
the gently bulging mid-section painted with stems of flowering chrysanthemums and peonies, the lower section with leafy branches bearing pomegranates and peaches, all surmounted by the trumpet neck decorated with a pair of dragons amid clouds and flames, flanking a cartouche supported on a lotus blossom, crowned with a lotus leaf and bearing a dated dedicatory inscription
Condition
The neck has been reduced and the mouth is mounted with a copper rim. There is a 3 in. (7.6 cm) long crack, and two shorter cracks extending from the mouth. There is a star crack to the base, light wear to the enamels, and signs of use and a shallow chip in the interior
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The inscription may be translated as: Dedicated on an auspicious day of the eighth month of the twenty-sixth year of the reign of Kangxi of the Great Qing. All are in agreement that this land is blessed and the two sages have manifested their loyal spirit which has lasted for a thousand ages. Respectfully presented and inscribed by devotee Lu Gaohuan.
The present lot is unusual for its large size and the dated inscription. Vases of this type, when undated, are usually ascribed to the Transitional period, but the present lot shows that this particular style, with floral stems around the center and fruiting branches on the lower section, continued well into Kangxi's reign.
The inscription indicates that the vase was made as an altar piece for a local temple dedicated to two sages. The term two sages, ersheng, was used to refer to popular pairings of deified sages. Some common pairings were Zhou Wenwang and Zhou Wuwang, venerated as civil and military gods; Wen Chang and Guan Yu, representing literary and military success; and Zhou Gong and Confucius, paragons of virtue and learning.
The present lot is unusual for its large size and the dated inscription. Vases of this type, when undated, are usually ascribed to the Transitional period, but the present lot shows that this particular style, with floral stems around the center and fruiting branches on the lower section, continued well into Kangxi's reign.
The inscription indicates that the vase was made as an altar piece for a local temple dedicated to two sages. The term two sages, ersheng, was used to refer to popular pairings of deified sages. Some common pairings were Zhou Wenwang and Zhou Wuwang, venerated as civil and military gods; Wen Chang and Guan Yu, representing literary and military success; and Zhou Gong and Confucius, paragons of virtue and learning.