A PAIR OF TURQUOISE-GLAZED ARCHAISTIC VASES (GU) QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

each modeled after the archaistic bronze vessel, the waisted cylindrical body rising from a splayed foot to a trumpet neck, the bulging central section crisply molded and carved with large peony blooms divided by crenulated flanges, the neck and foot incised with bands of stiff overlapping plantain leaves, applied overall with a bright turquoise glaze draining to a paler color on the ridges and pooling darker in the recesses (2)

Both vases in good general condition, with the exception of a small area of restoration to one of the raised flanges on each vase. The first with restoration to the top half of one flange; the second vase with a loss to the lowest tip of one flange and further over-painting to the bottom half, and a 2mm restored flake to the rim. Otherwise, both vases with minor firing imperfections.
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.

During the Qing dynasty, turquoise-glazed wares were found more frequently on non-imperial wares, as they were made either for the domestic market or for export to Europe. They were particularly popular in France in the 18th and 19th centuries, where they were often mounted in ormolu. See a group of turquoise-glazed vessels from the Kangxi period in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Monochrome Porcelain, Hong Kong, 1999, pls 146-148. 

Turquoise-glazed gu-form vases with this decoration are rare. An identical vase from the Percival David Collection at the British Museum, is illustrated in Margaret Medley, Illustrated Catalogue of Ming and Ch'ing Monochrome in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, London, 1973, pl. A566. See another closely related vase sold Christie's London, 9th May 1988, lot 171.