A pair of rare and large Chinese famille-rose baluster jars and covers Qing dynasty, Yongzheng/ Qianlong period, circa 1735

each well painted with a continuous scene of figures on a balcony observing a group of female horsewomen galloping within a trellised garden, all above a band of colorful lappets around the foot and beneath an unusual border of interlinked circles filled with dense flower meanders at the neck and shoulder, the domed covers each painted with four images of horsewomen above a similar border of circles and surmounted by a seated lion finial, one cover probably a Samson, French replacement, wood stands

Christie's London, June 22, 1981, lot 134

One cover is a European replacement with the lion finial mounted with a metal threaded rod and bolt and further secured by glue. The other original cover drilled in the center for similarly mounted lion finial, with a restored rim chip and associated overpainted area measuring approx 2 1/2 in. by 3/4 in. (6.4 by 1.9 cm). Therefore, both finials are later replacements with some overpaint and restoration. One Jar with a triangular section out with old restoration measuring approx. 4 3/4 in (12.1 cm) and 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm) at the widest point, with an associated filled section measuring 1/2 in. by 1/4 in. (1.4 by 0.6 cm) with some minor losses around the break. There is another rim chip measuring 1/4 in. (0.6 cm) wide with an associated hairline running along the rim. The other jar with 1 hairline and 1 Y-shaped hairline around the mouth rim, the longest measuring at 1 5/8 (4.1 cm), and one minor rim chip. Both jars with streaks of discolored glaze around the lower third of the body possibly from firing, one jar more noticeable than the other, as visible in the catalogue illustration. There are also scattered minor flaking to the enamels. The underside of one jar written in ink "UNB 107" and "(E.U)" and the underside of the rim of the original cover written with "UNB 107", the underside of the other jar written in ink "UNB 108" and "(EU)".
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 story depicted on these jars is taken from chapter thirty-five of the Sui Tang Yanyi, a Chinese historical novel based on events in the Sui and the Tang dynasties. Titled 'The Teary Procession of Zhaojun on a Clear Night', it shows the concubines of the Emperor Yang of the Sui dynasty reenacting the procession of Wang Zhaojun (one of the four great beauties) as she heads out to the frontier. Emperor Yang was infamous for the risqué lifestyle he lived in Luoyang, at the West Garden, where his concubines would famously devise amusements, such as the scene depicted, to entertain the Emperor. This subject, which has often been incorrectly described as depicting the Lady Generals of the Yang Family, appears on a number of surviving vases of both Kangxi and Yongzheng/ Qianlong date, though the present jars are of significantly larger size than most other known examples.

A pair of smaller famille-rose baluster jars, from the collection of Roy P. and Perry Mottahedeh, similarly decorated but in a softer pastel palette, was sold in these room on January 29, 1987, lot 472 and was subsequently sold at Christie's New York on January 25, 2011, lot 98. A single famille-verte rouleau vase with the same subject, 16 inches high, was formerly in the Collection of Winston F. C. Guest, sold at Christie's New York, September 19, 2006, lot 344.