A FAMILLE VERTE 'CHILONG' BOTTLE VASE QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD |

the body of undulating baluster form tapering to a tall cylindrical neck terminating with an everted rim, sparsely enameled with a delicately intertwining foliate motif surmounted by four stylized chrysanthemum blooms of alternating green and iron red, an underglaze-blue chilong in high relief artfully coiled around the base of the neck, coll. no. 1556. 

Marchant, London.

The bottle vase is in good condition.
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.

Among the more ancient of mythical beasts, chilong were a favorite archaistic motif for carvers and potters. Their dynamic sinuous forms rendered in high relief grace varying bronzes, carvings and ceramics from the Song dynasty onwards. The restrained decoration on the present piece is noteworthy and draws focus to the quality of the potting and the movement of the form. A similar vase from the Samuel P. Avery Sr. Collection, gifted in 1879, is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, acc. no. 79.2.1223.