A GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED CHINESE CELADON PORCELAIN VASE, THE CELADON PORCELAIN 18TH CENTURY, THE MOUNTS LATE LOUIS XVI |

the handles with oak leaves sprays; (two small gilt-bronze rosettes added later)

The illustration is quite accurate. The porcelain is in good overall condition. The gilt-bronze mounts are in good overall condition as well, with the expected tarnishment and wear on the more exposed areas. As stated in the catalogue, the tiny bronze rosettes have been added on both sides at a later date. There is also a removable rim inside the top which is not original (not visible on the pictures). Large size vase with very elegant and refined Neoclassical mounts enhancing the beautiful celadon porcelain, ready to display.
"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."

During 18th century, the celadon porcelain was particularly prized by Western important collectors who admired the infinite refinement of this colour, up to a pale green, silvered, almost transparent shade, and unseen in Europe hitherto. The rare craquelure celadon or porcelaine truitée delighted the amateurs and motivated the marchands-merciers to continually create new artefacts to ornate these Chinese porcelains with lavish gilt-bronze mounts.
At the beginning, most of them were small-scale pieces. It is only during the second half of 18^th century that some vases of greater size were adorned, first in the Greek revival taste at the end of Louis XV's reign, then in a more balanced style under Louis XVI. Let's mention similar handles on a pair of important celadon Gu vases from the former vicomtesse de Courval collection (Sotheby's Paris, 25 March 2014, lot 108), whereas we can notice the same delicate craquelures on the celadon of another pair of vases from the ducs de Mortemart at the château du Réveillon (Sotheby's Paris, 11 February 2015, lot 129).