A RARE CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL AND GILT-BRONZE 'DRAGON' VASE, TIANQIUPING QING DYNASTY, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

cast with a globular body resting on a gilt-bronze countersunk base and surmounted by a tall tubular neck with a gilt-bronze lipped mouthrim, the exterior decorated in vivid cloisonné enamels with a pair of two-clawed scaly red dragons writhing ferociously and sinuously amidst dense clusters of variegated blue clouds resembling flowering blooms, all above a band of crashing waves encircling the foot, the details finely accentuated with thin gilt-bronze outlines

Collection of Kenneth Malcolm (1908-84).
John Sparks Ltd, London.

In overall good condition. There are minor enamel flakes as can be expected. Tiny areas of wax infills including one near the left dragon eye on the neck. There is a bruise of approx. 2 by 2 cm above the waves, which has been retouched. Other tiny areas of infilling.
"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."

Finely enamelled in shades of blue and red to resemble underglaze-blue and red porcelains, this vase is extremely rare for its rendering of the theme inspired by the celebrated Southern Song ink handscroll painting Nine Dragons by the prominent poet, calligrapher and artist, Chen Rong (active 1235-58). The innovative spirit of the original painting has been continued on this vase, where the craftsman has attempted to recreate the atmospheric billowing clouds through petal-shaped cloisons that have been filled with graduating tones of blue. The overlapping cloud form has also cleverly been developed to resemble peony flowers, which are considered the 'king of flowers'.

An underglaze-blue vase decorated with the Nine Dragons motif reveals that the Yongzheng Emperor had access to and was an admirer of the painting. The craftsman has successfully manipulated the cobalt-blue to produce a vase that clearly points to its prototype; this Yongzheng mark and period vase was sold in these rooms, 20th May 1986, lot 40, and is published in James Spencer, Selected Chinese Ceramics from Han to Qing Dynasties, Taipei, 1990, pl. 126, and in Geng Baochang, Ming Qing ciqi jianding [Appraisal of Ming and Qing porcelain], Hong Kong, 1993, col. pl. 103. Compare also a Yongzheng mark and period underglaze-red and blue tianqiuping decorated with a large red dragon striding through crashing waves, in the Qing Court collection, and still in Beijing, published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Blue and White Porcelain with Underglazed Red (III), Shanghai, 2000, pl. 197.

Compare vases enamelled in a similar style with this motif, but attributed to the Qianlong period; one of similar bottle form but with a small foot, and the design on a white ground, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Compendium of Collection in the Palace Museum. Enamels, vol. 3, Cloisonné in the Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 2011, pl. 102; and a large tianqiuping, decorated with a blue dragon against polychrome clouds, sold twice in our London rooms, 12th June 1990, lot 52, and again, 9th November 2011, lot 401.