A TURQUOISE-GROUND FAMILLE-ROSE BOTTLE VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG |

the pear-shaped body rising from a straight foot to a tall cylindrical neck, brightly enamelled with pairs of mandarin ducks and magpies amongst flowering peonies, prunus, orchids and lingzhi, all reserved against a turquoise-imitation ground, the base enamelled turquoise save for a white square inscribed with a six-character seal mark

Good condition, with only expected occasional enamel flakes and scratches.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

With its bold decoration of pairs of mandarin ducks and magpies amongst flowering blooms against a bright ground painted in imitation of turquoise, the present vase displays the broad variety of styles and innovations in ceramic design that marked the Qianlong period. In simulating the traditionally esteemed semi-precious stone and choosing an idiosyncratic design, the craftsmen purposefully created a work of art that would cater to the aesthetic taste of the Qianlong Emperor. The companion vase was sold in these rooms, 24th/25th November 1987, lot 188. Compare further Qianlong mark and period vases similarly enamelled with a simulated turquoise-matrix ground, such as a slightly larger pear-shaped example from the Hebblethwaite collection, depicting a pair of pheasants, sold twice in our London rooms, 2nd/3rd December 1974, lot 539, and 14th July 1981, lot 121; a lantern vase, depicting birds on flowering branches, sold in our London rooms, 6th November 2013, lot 186; another lantern vase decorated with floral sprays, sold twice in these rooms, 28th November 1979, lot 259, and 8th April 2011, lot 3088; and one of ovoid form, from the John Morrison collection, published in Soame Jenyns, Later Chinese Porcelain, London, 1951, pl. CVIII, fig. 2. An ovoid vase decorated with two landscape panels against a turquoise ground scattered with flower sprays, was sold in these rooms, 29th November 1978, lot 323; and another of slightly waisted baluster form, painted with two landscape panels below two similar vignettes, was also sold in these rooms, 29th November 1976, lot 616.