A RARE LONGQUAN CELADON 'CHAMPION' VASE MING DYNASTY

formed as a pair of conjoined tubular vases each with a tapered foot and sloping neck, the body of each vase molded with diaper pattern between an upper and lower scrolling border, an applied sinewy three-clawed frontal dragon spreading across the join at one side, an applied phoenix outstretching its wings and feet on the other side, covered overall in an olive-green glaze save for the footring

In overall good condition, with only minor firing imperfections, including scattered small iron spots and a firing line across the base of one vase. The footring with expected wear, including a few small chips.
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.

'Champion’ vases gained popularity in the Song dynasty (960-1279), and by the Qianlong reign (1735-96) became an important part of marriage rituals, with the two compartments of the vase symbolizing the union between bride and groom. These later 'champion' vases were typically carved in jade. Numerous such vases were produced in the Qianlong period, including a white jade example that sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 5th October 2016, lot 3710.

Longquan wares in this form are extremely rare. Compare, however, a slightly larger example, included in the exhibition Oosterse schatten: 4000 jaar Aziatische Kknst [Oriental Treasures: 4000 Years of Asian Art], Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, 1954. That vase is slightly taller than the present example, and it sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29th May 2013, lot 2244.