A WUCAI 'QILIN' SLEEVE VASE QING DYNASTY, SHUNZHI PERIOD OR LATER

of tall cylindrical form, painted with a qilin, the mythical beast seated on its back haunches, with one front leg raised, head turned gazing back with bulging eyes and mouth agape revealing fangs and emanating wisps of fiery smoke all in vivid tones of underglaze blue with green, iron-red, yellow and aubergine enamels, the base unglazed

Collection of P.J. Donnelly (d. 1978).
Acquired in Bellmore New York, 22nd December 1979.

Soame Jenyns, Later Chinese Porcelain, The Ch'ing Dynasty (1644-1912), London,  1959, pl. XI, no. 2.

There is a single chip to the rim with an associated short hairline crack. There is a small glaze gap by the mouth of the qilin and the surface has scattered iron spots, pin prick burst bubbles and age appropriate wear.
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.