Lot 2309. A fine teadust-glazed double-gourd vase, Qianlong impressed six-character seal mark and of the period (1736-1795); 8 1/8 in. (20.8 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 600,000 - HKD 800,000. Price realised HKD 740,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2012

The vase is well potted with a globular lower bulb and a slender, tapering upper bulb, linked by a pair of elegant high loop-handles terminating inruyi-heads. The waist is moulded with a band of petals divided by a central rib. The vase is covered overall in an even, finely speckled olive-green glaze, thinning to a russet-brown at the mouth rim and handles. The base is similarly glazed, except for the foot and the mark which are covered in a brown wash, stand, Japanese wood box.

Note: A number of examples of larger size (around 26 cm. high) are found in important collections, including one illustrated by R. Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 2, London, 1994, no. 938; one included in the exhibition National Treasures - Gems of China's Cultural Relics, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 1997, Catalogue, pp. 352-353; one included in the Min Chiu Society Exhibition of Monochrome Ceramics, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 1977, Catalogue, no. 100, and subsequently sold at Christie's New York, 21 September 2000, lot 378; and one sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30 May 2006, lot 1370. See also a smaller example (15.5 cm. high) sold at Christie's New York, 22-23 March 2012, lot 2115.