A rare and large moulded guan-type vase, Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2014.

The elegantly potted vase has handles shaped as mythical animals, and the pear-shaped body is raised on a spreading foot. The exterior of the body and the neck are delicately moulded with the archaistic 'straps and rivets' design. The vessel is covered overall in a thick unctuous greyish-celadon glaze with intricate crackles. 14 in. (35 cm.) high. Estimate £30,000 – £50,000 ($50,370 - $83,950)

Notes: Compare the present vase to an earlier Yongzheng ge-type example illustrated in Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong: Qing Porcelain from the Palace Museum Collection, Hong Kong, 1989, p. 260, no. 89.

Also see a guan-type vase, hu, similarly dated to the Qianlong period which sold at Christie's London, 14 May 2013, lot 249.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 13 May 2014, London, King Street - http://www.christies.com/