A VERY RARE IMPERIALLY INSCRIBED DOUBLE LOZENGE-FORM FAMILLE-ROSE BRUSHPOT QIANLONG SEAL MARK AND PERIOD |

finely potted with ribbed edges framing each panel of the double-lozenge form, the four longer sides vibrantly enameled with chrysanthemum, peonies, morning glory, pinks and bamboo growing from rockwork with two butterflies in flight, the narrow faceted sides each with a two column inscription in zhuanshu, kaishu, xingshu and lishu script, each bearing two seals reading qian and long, all framed within iron-red and gilt borders, the interior and base with a turquoise enamel, save for the six-character seal mark inscribed in underglaze blue beneath a clear glaze 

Collection of Stephen Junkunc, III (d. 1978). 

One section of the rim with restoration to shallow chips and enamel flakes, with an associated small flake loss. Scattered restoration to interior and exterior of foot. Scattered light wear to enamels, particularly the iron red.
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.

This unusual brushpot represents the Qianlong emperor’s personal taste, which gravitated towards porcelain designs that were artistically complex, and revealed his appreciation for scholarship as expressed in his writings and poems. A smaller famille-rose brushpot of this form, painted with panels enclosing court ladies and attendants engaged in leisurely pursuits, as well as flowers amidst rockwork, was sold at Christie’s London, 11th May 2010, lot 268. Brushpots of such distinctive auspicious shape were also produced in various palettes; such as one covered in a 'robin’s egg’ glaze, illustrated in Qing Zhenzong, Qingdai ciqi shangjian [Appreciation of Qing Dynasty Porcelain], Hong Kong, 1994, pl. 179; and an underglaze-red example painted with a landscape scene, in the Guangdong Provincial Museum, Guangzhou, illustrated in Guangdongsheng bowuguan cang taoci xuan [The Collection of Ceramics of the Guangdong Provincial Museum], Beijing, 1992, pl. 182.