A Fine And Rare Cloisonne Enamel Gu. Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period

of archaistic gu form, the central swelling section brightly enamelled with stylised taotie masks, the high spreading ribbed foot and tall ribbed trumpet neck with pendant and stiff blades within ruyi bands, the interior of the neck with lotus strapwork and all reserved on a rich turquoise ground. 39.5cm., 15 1/2 in. Estimate 12,000—15,000 GBP

PROVENANCE: From a private European collection. Acquired in the 1980's.

NOTE: It is rare to find archaistic cloisonné enamel gu-form vases of circular section and the present piece is especially fine for its elegant slender shape and well preserved condition. A slightly smaller Kangxi mark and period gu of closely related form but with flanges on the body and foot, from the Pierre Uldry collection, is illustrated in Helmut Brinker and Albert Lutz, Chinesisches Cloisonne, Zurich, 1985, pl. 224. Compare another gu of this type and decorated with a similar archaistic design of stiff leaves and dissolved masks, sold at Christie's New York, 23^rd June 1983, lot 9; and another sold at Christie's London, 31^st January 1977, lot 87.

Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 05 Nov 08. London. Photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com