Lot 1602. A rare gilt-decorated teadust-glazed imitation bronze beaker vase, gu, Qianlong incised and gilded sel mark and of the period (1736-1795), 11 1/8 in. (28.3 cm.) high. Estimate USD 30,000 - USD 50,000. Price realised USD 386,500 © Christie's Images Ltd 2011

Finely molded around the spreading foot, bulbous midsection and flared neck with ruyi heads and archaistic lappets enameled in turquoise in imitation of bronze encrustation, separated by confronted chilong, key fret and archaistic elements enclosing shou roundels painted in gilding, all reserved on a teadust ground.

Provenance: Acquired prior to World War II, and thence by descent within the family. 

Note: A similary glazed, slightly smaller (27.7 cm.) Qianlong-marked gu-form 'imitation bronze' vase, is in the Qing Court collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum - 39 - Porcelains with Cloisonne Enamel Decoration and Famille Rose Decoration, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 169, no. 150. 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I & II, 15 September 2011, New York, Rockefeller Center