Lot 3329. A blue and white hu-form vase, Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795). Estimate: HKD 800,000 - HKD 1,200,000 (USD 103,606 - USD 155,409). Price Realised HKD 1,500,000 (USD 194,292) © Christie’s Images Limited 2016.

The vase is vividly painted with a lotus scroll band and a composite floral scroll, above cresting waves and below overlapping stylised plantain leaves around the waisted neck, all divided by raised double-moulded line borders. The shoulder is set with a pair of integral animal-mask ring handles in relief, the spreading foot encircled by stiff lappets, and the mouth rim with a narrow band of waves. 9 7/8 in. (25 cm.) high, box

Notes: Compare to a nearly identical Qianlong vase in the Nanjing Museum, illustrated in The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2003, p. 235 and another example in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Porcelain of the National Palace Museum, Blue-and-White Ware of the Ch'ing Dynasty, CAFA, Book II, 1968, pl. 2. 

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 30 November 2016, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall