A GUAN-TYPE TRIPLE-SPOUTED 'DOUBLE-GOURD' VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

well potted of double-gourd form and subtly divided into three 'lobes', the lower bulb rising from a short trefoil foot to a slender waisted neck and smaller upper bulb tapering to three narrow tubular mouthrims, applied overall save for the unglazed footring with a pale greyish-green glaze suffused with fine crackles, the base inscribed with an underglaze-blue six-character seal mark

A private Japanese collection, Himeiji city, acquired in the 1950s, by repute.
Christie's Hong Kong, 3rd December 2008, lot 2568.

The overall condition is very good, with only some expected firing imperfections, such as one partially stained glaze crackle and occasional unevenness of the glaze. There are also some typical tiny areas of losses to the brown dressing at the unglazed footrim.
"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."

Similar triple vases with finely shaped trefoil feet are known covered with various greenish glazes inspired by Song dynasty glazes. A vase of this form with a crackled glaze, described as ‘sky-blue’, is illustrated in Geng Baochang, Ming Qing ciqi jianding [Appraisal of Ming and Qing Porcelain], Hong Kong, 1993, pl. 446; one without the distinct decorative crackles, in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, is illustrated in He Li, Chinese Ceramics. A New Standard Guide, London, 1996, pl. 521; another is published in John Ayers, Chinese Ceramics in the Baur Collection, Geneva, 1999, pl. 270; two others were sold in our London rooms, 26th April 1966, lot 163 and 164; and a vase, from the Meiyintang Collection, was sold in these rooms, 7th June 2011, lot 34.

For the prototype of this form see a Yongzheng mark and period example, from the Hershel V. Johnson Collection, sold in our London rooms, 21st February 1967, lot 61.