The clair-de-lune glaze was invented during the Kangxi period and has been admired and treasured throughout the Qing dynasty. Due to its fragile soft tint, it was highly appropriate to use the glaze on the daintily potted porcelains that frequently have the classic peachbloom glaze. The shape of the present Qianlong vase and the fine pale blue glaze recall the clair-de-lune-glazed amphoras from the Kangxi period that were highly prized as part of the set of eight scholar's table vessels. Although the Qianlong vase is larger and more strongly potted, the slender form and the delicacy of its glaze are closely matched with the exquisite Kangxi vase.

(US$64,000-77,000)