Lot 3201. A fine blue and white hu-form vase, Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795). Estimate HKD 800,000 - HKD 1,200,000. Price realised HKD 1,500,000 © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

The vase is vividly painted with a lotus scroll band and a composite floral scroll, above cresting waves and below overlapping stylised plantain leaves around the waisted neck, all divided by raised double-moulded line borders. The shoulder is set with a pair of integral animal-mask ring handles in relief, the spreading foot encircled by stiff lappets, and the mouth rim with a narrow band of waves. 9 7/8 in. (25 cm.) high, box .

Note: Compare to a nearly identical Qianlong vase in the Nanjing Museum, illustrated in The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2003, p. 235 and another example in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Porcelain of the National Palace Museum, Blue-and-White Ware of the Ch'ing Dynasty, CAFA, Book II, 1968, pl. 2. 

Christie's. The Imperial Sale / Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 31 May 2017, Convention Hall