An Unusual Ru-Type Rectangular Jardiniere. Yongzheng Six-Character Seal Mark In Underglaze Blue In A Line And Of The Period (1723-1735). photo Christie's Ltd 2011

Raised on four shallow bracket supports, the outward-curved sides with recessed panels of conforming outline below the flat everted rim, covered overall with an opaque glaze of Ru-type, the reign mark written in a line on the base between two infilled drainage holes; 9½ in. (24.2 cm.) long, box  Estimate $40,000 - $60,000. Price Realized $104,500

Notes: No other Ru-type jardinière of this exact form appears to be published. However, variations on the form are known. See, for example, a larger (37.3 cm.) celadon-glazed Yongzheng-marked jardinière raised on three pairs of bracket feet, in the Zande Lou Collection, illustrated in Qing Imperial Monochromes: The Zande Lou Collection, Shanghai, 2005, pp. 60-61, no. 13. Compare, also, a similar Ru-type Yongzheng-marked jardinière, also of larger size (46.2 cm.), sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 27 May 2009, lot 1889.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I & II,  15 - 16 September 2011. New York, Rockefeller Plaza. www.christies.com