finely modelled of harmonious proportion, the spherical body rising from a short foot to a tall slender cylindrical neck and gently flared rim, the exterior applied with a rich powder-blue glaze mottled with attractive blue speckles, with traces of pencilled gilt decoration depicting phoenix and clouds to the globular body and a frieze of Buddhist lions and floral blooms to the shoulder, all below upright plantain lappets encircling the neck

Collection of J. Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913), no. 1301.
J.J. Lally & Co., New York.

Stephen W. Bushell and William M. Laffan, Catalogue of the Morgan Collection of Chinese Porcelains, vol. 2, New York, 1907, pl. CX.

The vase is in good overall condition with just an approx 1.8 cm shallow glaze flake above the foot. As typical of this type of vase, the fragile gilt decoration has rubbed off in places but is still clearly visible to the naked eye. The colour in the catalogue photo has emerged with too much of a purplish-red tint under strong flash photography, the actual colour of the glaze is of a more classic powder blue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Generally referred to as ‘powder blue’, the attractive cobalt glaze on this piece was probably inspired by the so-called ‘snowflake’ blue glaze found on wares of the Xuande reign. The mottled effect was produced by blowing cobalt through a piece of bamboo with a gauze over the end. Wares covered in this glaze were either left undecorated or were painted in gilt over the glaze, as seen on this piece.

Numerous powder-blue vases of the Kangxi period with traces of gilding are in the Palace Museum, Beijing, including a vase of similar form illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Ceramics, vol. 23, Shunzhi and Kangxi Periods of Qing Dynasty (III), Beijing, 2013, pl. 79; one sold at Christie’s New York, 4th December 1982, lot 525; another sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 8th June 1986, lot 379; and a fourth vase sold at Christie’s London, 16th November 1981, lot 10. See also a vase of similar form but slightly larger in size, covered in a crackled light blue glaze, illustrated in The Freer Gallery of Art. I China, Washington D.C., 1972, pl. 129.