A FINE CELADON-GLAZED BOTTLE VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG |

sturdily potted with a compressed globular body surmounted by a tall tubular neck, all supported on a splayed foot, covered overall evenly save for the unglazed footring with an attractive bluish-green glaze, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character seal mark

The vase is in superb condition. There is an original approx. 1.2 cm narrow patch of matte glaze to the rim.
"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."

This large and exquisitely glazed vase is an archetypal example of Yongzheng (r. 1723-1735) monochrome porcelain in its gracefulness and refinement of form. Under the Emperor’s keen eye, which was steeped in a thorough knowledge of the antiquities in the imperial collection, a profusion of new shapes and colour emerged which was only possible through the great technical advances that were achieved by his reign. The subtle glaze has been created in imitation of Longquan celadon of the Song period (960-1279) and reflects the Qing emperors’ penchant for these early wares, which they not only collected but also commissioned the imperial kilns to recreate or imitate. The delicate, almost watery tone of celadon was a Kangxi innovation which was produced by lessening the amount of iron typically found in Song dynasty Longquan celadons. The glaze was further modified during the Yongzheng period.

The form itself is inspired by a Song prototype, such as the Longquan bottle vase in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Porcelain of the Song Dynasty (II), Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 99.  

The form is more frequently found on monochrome vases produced during the Qianlong period, and it is rare to find a Yongzheng example. For a Qianlong example of this form, see the ‘guan’-type bottle vase from the collection of Stephen Junkunc III, sold in our New York rooms, 12th September 2018, lot 115.