Lot 179. A fine pair of celadon-glazed barrel-form jars, Qianlong seal marks in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795);  ½ in. (16.5 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 20,000 - GBP 30,000 (USD 27,020 - USD 40,530). Price realised GBP 106,250. © Christie's Images Ltd 2018. 

Each ovoid jar is applied with a pair of monster-mask and ring handles set between rows of bosses around the shoulder and above the foot. They are each covered with a soft pale celadon glaze of an even tone continuing over the flat rims and stopping at the unglazed ring encircling the countersunk bases, with French ormolu stands by Henri Dasson (1825-1896) dated 1882.

Provenance: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 30 October 2002, lot 241.

Note: Henri Dasson (1825-1896) established his business at 106, Rue Vieille-du-Temple, Paris. He was renowned for the exceptional standard of the ormolu mounts that he used. He exhibited pieces at the Expositions Universelles in 1878 and 1889, when he received a Grand Prix Artistique for his display.

Compare this pair of jars to a single jar from the T. Y. Chao collection which was included in the exhibition catalogue Ch'ing Porcelain from the Wah Kwong Collection, Hong Kong, 1974, no. 18. An example from the Edward T. Chow collection was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 25 November 1980, lot 96; and another on 24 November 1987, lot 118. A similar pair of jars were sold in Christie's Hong Kong, 28 May 2014, lot 3307.

A pair of celadon-glazed drum-shaped jars , Qianlong six-character seal marks and of the period (1736-1795): 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm.) high. Price Realized HK$750,000 ($97,157) at Christie's Hong Kong, 28 May 2014, lot 3307. © Christie's Image Ltd 2014

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