A rare massive ru-type hu-form vase, Yongzheng six-character sealmark in underglaze blue to base and of the period. photo Nagel Auctions

Based on Song dynasty prototypes, of facetted pear shape rising from a tall splayed foot, the gently waisted neck flanked by two cylindrical handles, moulded with horizontal ridges around the body, covered all over with a pale green crackled glaze. Fine carved huanghuali stand.

Provenance: Former old English private collection, purchased in Asia in the 1980'ies

Song dynasty stonewares, particularly the crackled wares of Ge, Guan and Ru type, were highly regarded by the Qing emperors, and this impressive vase embodies the archaism that was so enthusiastically sought by the Qing court. The shape of the vase is based upon ancient bronze vessels, while the glaze imitates the Ru wares made for the Southern Song court.

A vase with a similar shape but larger in size (47.6 cm) and with a molded band of undulating scrollwork is illustrated in Monochrome Porcelains of the Ch'ing Dynasty, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1981, pl. 81

Few small burst glaze bubbles, good condition. H. 35,4 cm - Estimate 100 000 / 150 000 €

Nagel Auctions. Asian Art. November 3rd 2011. www.auction.de