Lot 216. A large archaistic 'ru'-type vase, Qianlong seal mark and period (1736-1795); height 13 3/4 in., 35 cm. Estimate 60,000—80,000 USD. Sold 74,500 USD. Photo: Sotheby's.

of flattened pear shape molded with raised strapwork panels, the tall waisted neck set with a pair of stylized fish handles, all supported on a spreading foot and covered overall with a bluish-gray glaze.  

Provenance: Sotheby's London, 12th July 2006, lot 132.

Note: A similar ru-type vase also with a Qianlong reign mark and of the period is illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics in the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 2, London, 1994, pl. 873; three further examples were sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 29th November 1979, lot 290; 29th October 2001, lot 576; and the third piece, 20th April 2006, lot 1624. Compare also a larger Qianlong vase of this form but covered with a teadust glaze, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Monochrome Porcelain, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 247.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 16 Sep 09. New York.