A BLUE AND WHITE HEXAGONAL VASE, HU QIANLONG SEAL MARK AND PERIOD |

of archaistic fanghu form, the hexagonal body rising from a splayed foot to a waisted neck, flanked by a pair of tubular lug handles, the exterior finely painted in rich cobalt-blue with composite lotus and peony scrolls wreathed by feathery foliage, similarly decorated around the angled shoulders and handles, the neck encircled with a band of crested waves, all between a keyfret band at the rim and stylised florets at the foot, the base with a seal mark in underglaze blue

There is a three part break from two sides of the rim to below and including one handle, two sections of which (approx. 3 x 2.5 cm, 16 x 14.5cm) have been re-attached with the original pieces. The break with old rivet holes running along it and with minor fills. One section at the rim (approx. 14 cm long and 4.5 cm deep) has been attached, and with old fill. There is a vertical crack running from the side of the largest break (approx. 15 cm). One area of the rim with stained fritting. With further minor fritting and glaze flakes to the foot, and tiny glaze chips to the exterior particularly at two corners of the shoulder point. There are tiny specks of white house paint on the exterior of the body.
"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."

This large vase, densely decorated with Ming-style composite flower scrolls, belongs to a group of vessels that is inspired by celebrated traditions while being firmly rooted in the modernity of the eighteenth century. Compare a closely related example in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Museum’s Special Exhibition of K’ang-Hsi, Yung-Cheng and Ch’ien-Lung Porcelain Ware From The Ch’ing Dynasty, 1986, cat. no. 68; one in the Capital Museum, Beijing,  illustrated in Gems of the Official Kilns, Taipei, 1993, pl. 84; and a third example in the Nanjing Museum, Nanjing, published in Treasures In The Royalty. The Official Kiln Porcelain of The Chinese Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2003, pl. 238. Further vases include two sold in our Hong Kong rooms, the first, from the T. Y. Chao collection, 24th November 1987, lot 75 and again, 1st November 1999, lot 386, and the other, 8th October 2008, lot 2567; one sold in these rooms, 10th June 1986, lot 277; and another sold at Christie’s New York, 30th May 1991, lot 324.