AN IRON-RED AND GILT-DECORATED VASE QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD |

the slender baluster body surmounted by a tall waisted neck with a knopped section and widely flaring at the rim, the neck richly ornamented with fine-lined plantain leaves crowning a series gilt-floral registers divided by keyfret bands, the shoulder wrapped in a broad collar of alternating pendent lappets and ruyi heads enclosing stylized flowerhead sprays reserved against a gilt ground, the waisted lower body with four phoenix medallions, the foot bordered with a band of gilt floral scrolls, the interior rim with a band of rosettes with wanzi centers against a spiral diaper ground, coll. no. 1489.

Christie’s London, 8th June 2004, lot 333.

The vase is in overall good condition. There is a minor glazed over potting flaw to the rim which is very slightly overfired. There is a tiny chip and small kiln adhesion to the foot.
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.

A related vase of a similarly undulating outline but lacking the bulbed neck and with the addition of pale green enamels from the Qing Court Collection is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Porcelains in Polychrome and Contrasting Colours, Hong Kong 1999, pl. 82. Other closely related vases of larger size with elongated necks, floral sprigs rather than crane medallions and lacking black enamels are known. One of this type from the collection of Augustus the Strong and listed in a 1721 inventory is illustrated in Walter Bondy, Kang-Hsi, Munich, 1925, p. 209.