Lot 13. A blue and white miniature vase, hu, Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze-blue and of the period (1736-1795); 4 ½ in. (11.5 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 20,000 - GBP 40,000 (USD 20,925 - USD 34,875). © Christie’s Images Limited 2018.

The small vase in intricately painted in shades of cobalt blue to depict flower heads and scrolling leaves, below a band of crashing waves encircling the mouth and above a lappet band and classic scroll around the foot. The sides of the neck are applied with a pair of tubular handles.

Note: The taste for miniature pieces such as the present charming hu vase found its greatest imperial expression in the Qianlong reign when selected small antique items from the imperial collections were put into ingeniously constructed 'treasure boxes', duobaoge. Several examples of miniature hu-form Guan ware vases dating to the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279) are known, such as the one in the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Emperor Ch'ien-lung's Grand Cultural Enterprise, Taipei, 2002, pp. 52-3, no. I-41. Another example, dated to the Southern Song/ Yuan dynasty, 13th century was sold at Christie's New York, 26 March 2010, lot 1337. It is possible that the appreciation of these miniature antique pieces inspired the production of contemporary counterparts with Qianlong imperial reign marks. Although the miniature hu-form appears to relate to early celadon wares, the decoration seen on the current vase draws from underglaze blue floral scroll decoration seen on early Ming dynasty wares, a characteristic trait of imperial 18th century ceramics.  

Christie's. Rarity and Refinement: Treasures from a Distinguished East Asian Collection, London, 15 May 2018 - SALE 16837