Whilst the present lot is evidently inspired by the Zhou dynasty bronze prototype of this imposing form and with strapwork design, the rich colour and texture of the teadust glaze also works exceptionally well in accentuating the theme of archaism. Apart from the teadust glaze, the same form was also produced in a variety of glazes, particularly those imitating Song period glazes such as ge and ru-type.

Cf. a Qianlong teadust-glazed vase of this form in the National Palace Museum, Taiwan, included in the Exhibition of Chinese Art Treasures, U.S.A., 1961-2, illustrated in the Catalogue, no. 198; and another sold in these Rooms, 29 April 2002, lot 666. Compare also a Yongzheng-marked example in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Kangxi Yongzheng Qianlong, Hong Kong, 1989, p. 298, pl. 127.