A MAGNIFICENT AND HIGHLY IMPORTANT YANGCAI RETICULATED VASE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONGMATCHING RECORD DATED TO THE 12TH DAY OF THE 8TH MONTH IN THE 7TH YEAR OF THE QIANLONG PERIOD (CORRESPONDING TO 1742) |

superbly potted with a pear-shaped body rising from a splayed foot to a tall waisted neck below an elaborately overhanging cusped ruyi collar at the rim, the neck flanked by a pair of gilt sinuous dragon handles and opulently decorated with three friezes divided by gilt bands, each frieze enclosing symmetrically arranged luxuriant flower garlands composed of stylised blooms and Rococo-inspired whimsical undulating acanthus leaves with feathery fronds, all against a rich puce ground picked out with scrollwork rendered with needle-fine sgraffiato engraving, the puce-ground floral design meticulously repeated along the lower body and foot, the prominent and rounded lower section of the body ingeniously modelled with a celadon-reticulated wall of interlaced dragons, interspersed with archaistic bird and bat-like motifs, all emphasised with gilt borders, the intricately carved wall revealing an inner vase decorated in shaded tones of cobalt blue with nine succulent peaches borne on leafy branches, all between lime-green bands of detached florets flanked by scrolling foliage encircling the ruyi collar at the rim and the foot, the base enamelled turquoise and centred with an underglaze-blue six-character seal mark reserved in a white square

The vase is preserved overall in excellent condition for a piece of its complexity and fragility. There are several insignificant nicks and flakes to edges of the celadon reticulated panel. As typical of the period, there are small areas where the gilding has worn. The gilding on the rim and on the band immediately above the celadon panel has been retouched, and this is easily reversible. The enamels are very well preserved, with just insignificant surface wear.
"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."