each modelled after the archaic jade cong, with a square-sectioned body set between a round neck and foot, two sides set with moulded iron-red elephant-head handles, decorated overall with a formal flower-scroll design, symmetrically arranged, the front and back with a large stylised lotus bloom in the centre, with a gilded halberd above and a pendant musical chime with a tassel below, surrounded by further scrolling flowers, the other sides with naturalistic double-lotus flowers in the centre, with pendant ruyi below, all reserved on a turquoise ground, the flared neck with further floral sprays between gilded bands, the interior neck and base enamelled in turquoise, the base inscribed in iron-red with a six-character reign mark.

ProvenanceSotheby's Hong Kong, 20th November 1985, lot 143.
Christie's Hong Kong, 28th October 2002, lot 734.
Christie's Hong Kong, 1st November 2004, lot 1171.

Literature: Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, London, 1994-2010, vol. 4, no. 1776..

Note: Although these vases are most characteristic in form and ornamentation of the late 18th century, no other example of the same design appears to be recorded.

Sotheby's. The Meiyintang Collection, Part II - An Important Selection of Chinese Porcelains. Hong Kong 5 october 2011