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Lot Essay
Both the shape and decoration of the vase are fashioned after a Yongzheng prototype, see a Yongzheng-marked vase of similar size but with a main decoration of scrolling lotus, illustrated in Blue and White Porcelain with Underglazed Red (III), The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 110, pl. 96.
A Qianlong-marked example of similar size and decorative bands of bats and ruyi heads, overhanging chimes and lacy lappets, was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 15 May 1990, lot 154. The main decoration on all the examples, including the current vase, is clearly inspired by the floral scrolls on early Ming porcelains with underglaze-blue decoration. The 18th century potters at the imperial kilns were at pains to try and imitate the 'heaped and piled' effect of the cobalt seen on early 15th century porcelains. Both the Yongzheng and Qianlong examples bear a main 'Indian lotus' scroll, while the present lot is unique featuring stylised flowerheads intertwined with lingzhi fungus and exceptionally moulded decorative bands.
A Qianlong-marked example of similar size and decorative bands of bats and ruyi heads, overhanging chimes and lacy lappets, was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 15 May 1990, lot 154. The main decoration on all the examples, including the current vase, is clearly inspired by the floral scrolls on early Ming porcelains with underglaze-blue decoration. The 18th century potters at the imperial kilns were at pains to try and imitate the 'heaped and piled' effect of the cobalt seen on early 15th century porcelains. Both the Yongzheng and Qianlong examples bear a main 'Indian lotus' scroll, while the present lot is unique featuring stylised flowerheads intertwined with lingzhi fungus and exceptionally moulded decorative bands.