Lot 3572. A Carved White-Glazed ‘Dragon’ Gu-Shaped Vase, Seal Mark And Period Of Qianlong (1736-1795). H 23cm. Sold for HKD 600,000/USD 76,923 (Estimate HKD 350,000 - 450,000/USD 44,872 - 57,692). © Poly Auction Hong Kong Limited

The vessel covered in milky-white glaze is potted in the form of an archaic ritual vessel, Gu, commonly found in Shang Dynasty. The slim body decorated in low relief with archaistic dragon between two keyfret bands, rising from the wide foot supported on a short stepped footring to a superbly wide mouthrim. The upper and the lower sections are both decorated with long plantain leaves. The base is impressed with a six-character seal mark.

Literature: Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 4(2), London, 1994-2010, pp.324-325, no.1783.

Note: This vessel is a Qing dynasty impression of the Shang and Zhou dynasty Bronze Ware. The Bronze Ware is a drinking apparatus in the Shang and Zhou dynasty, often used for wine. According to Dr. Ma Chengyuan of Shanghai Museum, Bronze Ware styles may be divided into over ten distinct types. The Bronze Ware archived at the Shanghai Museum belongs to the late Shang dynasty and features a flared bottom similar to this Gu-shaped Vase.

Poly Auction. A Romance Among Blooming Roses: The Meiyintang Collection of Three Dynasties Imperial Ceramics,  Hong Kong, 2 December 2021