A very rare large guan-type glazed vase, fanghu, Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795). Estimate HK$3,500,000 - HK$4,500,000 ($453,726 - $583,362). Unsold. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The vase is sturdily potted in the form of fanghu with a pair of lug handles flanking the neck, each side of the foot with a rectangular aperture, covered overall with an even widely crackled pale grey glaze with the exception of the underside of the foot dressed in brown. 19 1/4 in. (48.7 cm.) high, Japanese wood box

Provenance: Sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 2 May 2005, lot 686

 Notes: The present vase is closely modelled after its Southern Song period prototype, such as an example in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Catalogue of the Special Exhibition of Sung Dynasty Kuan Ware, Taipei, 1989, p. 55, no. 11. 

The archaistic curvilinear style of the mark on the present vase suggests that it was made during the early Qianlong reign, very likely prior to the 2nd year of the reign (1737), when regular seal marks were introduced. After 1737, it appears that the potters may have continued to use archaistic marks because according to an imperial edict of 21st day of the 12th month, the emperor re-affirmed his preference for the use of regular seal marks. For another vase bearing the same style of mark, see a blue and white 'dragon' hu-shaped vase sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 3 June 2015, lot 3128, and for discussion, on this unusual archaistic mark.

Christie's. IMPORTANT CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 2 December 2015, Convention Hall