- 3120
A FINE SMALL COPPER-RED GLAZED MEIPING MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG |
Estimate
800,000 - 1,200,000 HKD
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Description
- 12.1 cm, 4 3/4 in.
the skilfully potted body gently broadening to a full rounded shoulder and surmounted by a short neck, the exterior applied with a rich copper-red glaze, the white base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within a double circle
Condition
The vase is in good condition with very light surface scratches and an insignificant minute burst air bubble 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This charming small vase testifies the Yongzheng Emperor’s penchant for unassuming vessels that were technically challenging to produce. Its delightful form, with gently swollen shoulder and small mouth, is covered in a rich and vivid red glaze derived from copper. Notoriously difficult to control in the kiln, copper red was largely abandoned in the late 15th century and its use revived only in the early Qing dynasty. The French Jesuit missionary, Pére D’Entrecolles (1664-1741), who resided in China during the Kangxi reign (r. 1662-1722), described in detail in a letter from 1712 the manufacturing process of copper-red wares, confirming the high level of technical expertise of the potters at Jingdezhen (Nigel Wood, Chinese Glazes, London, 1999, p. 180). Yongzheng mark and period meiping covered in this striking glaze and of such small proportions are rare. A slightly larger meiping was sold twice in these rooms, 8th April 2007, lot 710, and 5th October 2011, lot 1995. Compare also a meiping of similar small size but lacking the reign mark, sold in these rooms, 16th November 1988, lot 299.