A PAIR OF BLUE AND WHITE 'FLORAL' BOTTLE VASES QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD |

each with a globular body rising from a tapering foot to a long, narrow cylindrical neck, painted in vivid cobalt blue tones with a continuous meander of flowers blossoming on leafy stems on the body and neck, a reverse-decorated collar at the shoulder of white flowers reserved on a blue ground, and a band of blue outlined flowers and waves on the mouth, the base with an underglaze blue 'G' mark (2)

Sotheby's London, 3^rd July 1984, lot 150.
Marc Michot, Bruges.
Ralph M. Chait Galleries, New York.

One in overall good condition with a minor wear, a minor flake chip at the mouth, and firing flaws including burst glaze bubbles at the mouth rim. The other bottle once broken into multiple parts and restored, with crazing, spray consolidation, and in-painting. Both with a label adhered to the base.
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.

The origin of the mark on the base remains a matter of conjecture among scholars. It has long been assumed that it stands for the Latin letter 'G' and perhaps the initial of the Westerner who commissioned the group, while others believed that these vases were copies after Delft wares and that the marks should be read 'D.' However, if turned 90 degrees, the character may be interpreted as the Persian letter ye, raising the possibility that the group was made for a Persian or Mughal Indian client. For further discussion see Daniel Suebsman and Daniela Antonin, Kangxi Porcelain Treasures of the Kangxi Period, Hetjens Deutsches Keramikmuseum, Dusseldorf, 2016, cat. no. 148.