A Very Rare Imperial Guan-Type Facetted Porcelain Vase, China, Yongzheng seal mark and of the period

H. 17,6 cm - Stand slightly chipped at the unglazed section, fine condition  - Estimate 90 000 €

This unusual vase embodies archaism two-fold.

The shape is inspired by Xuande prototypes painted with blue and white morning glory scrolls, such as the examples in the National Palace Museum, Taiwan, included in the 'Special Exhibition of Hsuan-te Wares', 1980, illustrated in the Catalogue, nos.6-7, together with a Yongzheng-marked version in their emulation, no.5.

The glaze is based on the Southern Song dynasty 'Guanyao'. Characterised by a broad network of golden-brown crackles, the glaze is one of the so-called five official wares of Song dynasty

- Cf. Qingdai yu yao ciqi, Palace Museum Beijing, 2005, no. 14 - Great National Treasures of China - Special Exhibition in Kaohsiung City Loaned by the National Palace Museum's Seventieth Anniversary', Taipei 1994, no. 55

Nagel Aunctions. Asian Arts. 10 November 2008. www.auction.de