Lot 758. A large and rare famille-verte triple-gourd vase, Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Height 28  in., 71.1 cm. Estimate 10,000 - 15,000 USD. Lot sold 25,000 USD. Courtesy Sotheby's.

well potted, the vessel comprising three orbs of diminishing size, the largest of globular form supported on a low foot, the center globular, and the top section pear-shaped rising to a slender neck and slightly flaring rim, all richly enameled and gilt, the bottom section with a wide cloud collar of pendent panels boldly outlined in black enclosing leafing camellia scroll on a green ground, surmounted by a diaper pattern reserving emblems of the 'four accomplishments' around the shoulder, the central section with four rectangular panels depicting figural and narrative scenes against a coral ground with chrysanthemum meander, the upper bulb enclosing four circular panels depicting insects among flowers or landscapes on a pale green stippled ground with lotus meander, the neck with stylized shou characters, a row of lappets and a further floral border encircling the rim, the base white-glazed.

Provenance: Acquired in New York, 1950s-60s, and thence by descent.

Note: Vases of this size and form are exceptionally rare. There is a very similar vase in the Royal Collection, London, illustrated in John Ayers, Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Collection of Her Majesty the Queen, vol. I, London, 2016, pl. 457, along with another example but lacking pictorial reserves, pl. 458. A pair of this form and palette, but without panels of imagery, from the Stotesbury Collection, sold at Christie's New York, 21st September 2000, lot 318.

Triple-gourd-shaped bottle, Kangxi, 1700-10. Porcelain painted in famille verte enamels and gilt, 72.5 x 27.0 x 27.0 cm (diameter), RCIN 58982. Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019

 Triple-gourd-shaped bottle, Kangxi, 1700-10. Porcelain painted in famille verte enamels and gilt, 72.5 x 27.0 x 27.0 cm (diameter), RCIN 58983. Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019