Lot 3302. A Fine Imperial Enamelled Glass ‘Archaic’ Water Pot, Yongzheng Mark and Period (1723-1735). D 3.6cm H 2cm. Estimate 1,200,000 - 1,500,000 (USD 153,846 - 192,308). Sold Price: HKD 3,120,000 (USD 400,000). Copyright 2021 © Poly Auction Hong Kong Limited

A globular-shaped water pot with a flat base, rounded shoulders and a slightly flattened top. An opaque white ground with enamel overlays all on top of a glass surface. The surface area meticulously arranged to accommodate a unique design scheme, which consists of interlocking rope knots and small dragon-shaped plaques in antiquarian style. A four-character Yongzheng reign mark inscribed in a ruyi-shaped frame.

Provenance: 1. Collection of Mr. Gérard Wahl-Boyer, Paris, France, 1994
2. Duchange family collection, Paris, France.

Note: Similar Yongzheng period enamelled glass pieces are uncommon, with a ‘chilong’ themed water pot as an exception, sold in Poly Beijing, 7 June 2015, lot 776. The present lot is a true masterpiece which exemplifies stylistic features that are consistent with works from the Yongzheng reign as inscribed.

Glass wares were deeply favoured by emperors Kangxi and Yongzheng. In the past, the German Jesuit missionary, Father Kilian Stumpf (1655-1720) was appointed by Emperor Kangxi to supervise the establishment of the Imperial Glassworks. The bureau was responsible for the production, maintenance and collection of imperial glass ware. Workshops under the Imperial Glassworks were initially located in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Yangxindian, and was later relocated to the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility, Cininggong, and the Garden of Perfect Brightness, Yuanmingyuan respectively.

Poly Auctions. Imperial Treasures: A Selection of Qing Imperial Porcelains, Hong Kong, 21 April 2021