Lot 1986. A massive Ru-type archaistic vase, hu, Seal mark and period of Qianlong (1736-1795); 51.5 cm., 20 1/4 in. Estimate 2,800,000-3,500,000 HKD (269,936 — 337,420 EUR). Lot Sold 5,420,000 HKD (522,519 EUR). Photo Sotheby's

robustly potted, modelled after archaic bronzes, the broad pear-shaped body of oval section supported on a flared foot, moulded on each side with mock straps dividing the body into quadrants centered with a diamond, the narrow sides of the neck flanked by a pair of dragon-head handles, covered overall with an opaque bluish-gray celadon glaze suffused with a network of ivory-stained crackles.

Provenance: Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8th April 2006, lot 721.

Note: This shape, which is loosely based on an archaic bronze prototype, is also known in a variety of different glazes. A Guan-type vase of Qianlong mark and period is illustrated in Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, 1994, vol. II, no. 873. A 'teadust' glazed vase of Yongzheng mark and period in Beijing is illustrated in Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong: Qing Porcelain from the Palace Museum Collection, 1989, p. 298. pl. 127. Also compare a blue and white example sold in these rooms 8th October 2006, lot 1058 and a smaller version from the W.W.Winkworth collection that sold in our London rooms 12th December 1972, lot 83. See also a teadust-glazed example, sold in these rooms, 8th April 2007, lot 721, and a blue and white with yellow and green glaze vase, lot 785.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. Hong Kong. 05 Oct 2011