Lot 3102. A fine teadust-glazed vase, Incised seal mark and period of Qianlong (1736-1795);  18.7 cm., 7 3/8 in. Estimate  1,200,000-1,500,000 HKD (117,429 — 146,787 EUR). Lot sold: 2,660,000 HKD (260,302 EUR). Photo Sotheby's

of archaic hu form, the rounded pear-shaped body rising from a short splayed foot to a tall slightly flaring neck set with a pair of strap handles, covered overall with a rich olive-green glaze with gold speckles thinning to a caramel tone at the edges of the handles and rim, the glazed base incised with a six-character seal mark beneath a brown dressing, carved wood stand.

PROVENANCE: An old Japanese collection.

NOTE: Another example sold in our rooms, 8th October 2010, lot 2633; see also a related example, but of slightly larger dimensions and with a plain foot and straight neck, also impressed with a Qianlong seal mark and of the period, illustrated in John Ayers, Chinese Ceramics in the Baur Collection, vol. 2, Geneva, 1999, pl. 296. A Ru-type glazed example in the Meiyintang Collection, is published in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 4 , pt. II, London, 2009, pl. 1791. Compare also a Yongzheng version of related shape with a Guan-type glaze in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Kangxi. Yongzheng. Qianlong. Qing Porcelain from the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 1989, p. 245, pl. 74.

The form of this vase derives from the archaic ritual bronze hu, and the strap handles are reminiscent of the swing handles of the original

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. Hong Kong | 04 apr. 2012