Lot 2960. A Ge-type glazed vase, fanghu, Yongzheng six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1723-1735); 14 ¾ in. (37.5 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 2,600,000 - HKD 4,000,000. Price realised HKD 3,220,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2018.

The vase is moulded with a scroll border at the mouth and two fixed-ring mask handles applied to the shoulder that flank the tall neck. The vase is covered overall with a greyish-celadon glaze suffused with black and golden crackles, with the exception of the foot rim applied with a dark brown wash, box.

Note: The present vase is modelled after the prototype from the Qing-dynasty Xiqing gujian (Catalogue of the Xiqing Antiquities), vol. 20, “Han shou huan fanghu “ (fanghu with monster-mask handles from Han dynasty). The mouth is more decorative than the Han-dynasty fanghu, which complements the elegance of the vessel’s shape. This is a rare example of antiquarianism from the Yongzheng official kilns. Compare to other ge-type glazed vessels with similar form and design, see one from the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum - Monochrome Porcelain, vol. 37, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 249, no. 227. Also compare to a Yongzheng hu vase with a pear-shaped body sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 30 May 2005, lot 1488.