Lot 2125. A cloisonné Zun-Form vase, 18th century. Estimate USD 30,000 ~ 40,000. Sold for US$ 35,000 (€32,401). Photo: Bonhams.

The sloping sides rise to an angular shoulder below a short, flaring, trumpet neck, the main register of the vase decorated with phoenixes set against a background of peony blossoms and foliage, the shoulder and neck adorned with multi-colored archaistic scrollwork. 12 3/4in (32.4cm) high

Note: A very closely related vase, with nearly identical shape and a similar combination or archaistic and naturalistic motifs, is illustrated by Helmut Brinker and Albert Lutz in Chinese Cloisonne: The Pierre Uldry Collection, London, 1989, pg.228. A similar and larger vase, covered entirely in archaistic patterns and described as being of Imperial provenance, was sold by Bonhams Hong Kong, 2 December 2015, sale 23440, lot 58. All three vases are united by a high quality of execution, similar archaistic motifs, and a peculiar feature of the decoration in which gilt wire, in addition to outlining the cloisons, also extends into the enameled cloisons in the shape of small, delicate curls to produce a particularly rich contrast against the colored enamel.