Lot 3. A small cloisonné enamel pear-shaped vase, Hu, Qianlong four-character mark cast in relief within a square and of the period (1736-1795); 4 3/8 in. (11.2 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 50,000 - GBP 80,000 (USD 69,750 - USD 111,600). Price realised GBP 97,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2018

Each side of the vessel is exquisitely decorated with a large golden-olive taotie mask surrounded by gilt wire lotus scroll, below a narrow band cast in relief with classic scroll and further blue taotie masks on the neck. The mouth rim is delicately encircled by another narrow band of classic scroll. 

Provenance: Sotheby's New York, 31 May 1989, lot 30
Christie's New York, 20 September 2005, lot 113.

Note: The present lot appears to be related to three cloisonné zun that have the same Qianlong four-character mark cast in relief and archaistic decoration that includes golden-olive taotie masks, as well as subsidiary taotie masks in blue. See The Complete Treasures of the Palace Museum - 43 - Metal-bodied Enamel Ware, Hong Kong, 2002, p. 119, no. 115; H. Brinker and A. Lutz, Chinese Cloisonné: The Pierre Uldry Collection, The Asia Society Galleries, New York, 1989, no. 268; and the Alfred Morrison Collection, Fonthill House, sold by order of the Lord Margadale of Islay, D.L., Christie's, London, 9 November 2004, lot 45. 

The decoration and shapes of all of these vessels was inspired by ancient bronzes, and reflect the fashion for archaism during the Qianlong reign. They also display highest quality craftsmanship that seems to apply to all Qianlong cloisonné enamel vessels bearing the same cast mark.

Christie's. Rarity and Refinement: Treasures from a Distinguished East Asian Collection, London, 15 May 2018 - SALE 16837