Lot 201. A rare and large 'Ge'-type vase (hu), Yongzheng seal mark and period (1723-1735). Height 18 1/2  in., 47 cm. Estimate 80,000 - 120,000 USD. Lot sold 100,000 USD. © Sotheby's

of flattened pear shape rising from a splayed foot, molded on each side with four large slightly inset ogival panels forming strapwork divided by raised pyramid-form bosses, below the wide neck with a raised horizontal band interrupted by raised flanges and flanked by two loop handles with ram's head terminals, applied overall with a thick pale grayish celadon glaze suffused with dark brown crackle, the wide footrim covered with a rust brown slip, seal mark in underglaze blue. 

Note: Jingdezhen began copying prized Song dynasty 'guan', 'ru' and 'ge' type glazes from as early as the Ming dynasty. The pieces are not strictly adherent to the Song prototypes and often it is not clear which of the three famous techniques 'guan', 'ru', or 'ge' is being evoked. However, it does suggest the Ming and Qing emperor's deep and abiding respect and appreciation for the past and its preservation into the present. These high fired wares enjoyed particular popularity during the Yongzheng and Qianlong periods on vessels of archaistic form.  The present vase is based on a Western Zhou period bronze form such as one excavated in Shangdong and illustrated in Wenwu no. 5. 1972, pl. 6, fig. 2.  A Yongzheng Ge-type vase of almost identical shape and size is illustrated in The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2003, p. 195. A vase of similar size and form but with a 'ru'-type glaze was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 25th April 2004, lot 261 and one with the same form, glaze and dimension but with later-added European mounts was sold in our Hong Kong rooms 5th-6th November 1996, lot 852.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. New York, 19 march 2013