A RARE BLUE AND WHITE ZHADOU SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG |

well potted with a compressed globular body rising from a short foot to a wide neck flaring towards the rim, the body and neck painted with a composite floral scroll below pendent ruyi heads, all divided by a key-fret band encircling the shoulder, above overlapping lappets and a classic scroll band around the foot, inscribed to the base with a six-character seal mark, wood stand

There is a tiny glaze flake to the foot and the footring appears to be slightly polished. There is also slight glaze wear to the mouthrim and the interior of the mouth.
"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."

Another rare Qianlong reign-marked blue and white zhadou of this size and form was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30th November 2011, lot 2954, and again at Christie's New York, 17th March 2017, lot 1221. The form of the zhadou is archaistic, encapsulating the refined taste of the Qianlong Emperor, who valued works of art created in imitation of antiquity. A bamboo zhadou vessel of similar form in the Palace Museum, Beijing was included in the exhibition Views of Antiquity in the Qing Imperial Palace: Special Catalogue to Celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Palace Museum, Macau Museum of Art, Macau, 2005, cat. no. 131, where it is noted that the form follows the early Shang prototype.