Lot 3202. A blue and white 'flowers of the four seasons' conjoined vase, Qianlong four-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795). Estimate HK$400,000 – HK$600,000 (US$51,735 - $77,602). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

The vessel is skilfully potted in the shape of four conjoined cylindrical vases, each tapering from the shoulder to a delicately waisted neck and a flared mouth rim, painted in deep shades of blue with a flower of the four season on each cylinder, including lotus, chrysanthemum, prunus and peony. The base of each cylinder is inscribed with a different character of the reign mark. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm.) high

Provenance: A Welsh family collection, acquired in London in the 1950s

Notes: Conjoined vases of this form decorated in underglaze blue are extremely rare. One identical example is known in the Shanghai Museum, illustrated by Liu Liang-yu, Ch'ing Official and Popular Wares, A Survey of Chinese Ceramics, vol. 5, Taipei, 1991, p. 151. Another Qianlong-marked vase of the same shape by covered with a Ge-type glaze was sold at Christie's London, 11 May 2005, lot 9.