each with an ovoid body, rising from a narrow base to broad shoulders and a tall columnar neck, with a sharply cut straight mouth, the opqaue glass a smoothly polished, vibrant turquoise blue, the recessed base with a four-character wheel-cut mark within a square border, wood stands (4)

Collection of Edward A. Adams (1898-1981), following his trip to Japan in 1956, and thence by descent.

One vase: there is a vertical hairline crack approx. 3.5cm to the mouthrim. Another horizontal hairline approx. 2cm long to the edge of the mouthrim, and another hairline below it to the interior approx. 1.2cm long. A small burst bubble to the body, a small chip to the footring along with other tiny nicks. Expected surface wear. Two old labels adhered to the base. The other vase: tow small chips to the inner mouthrim. A few tiny burst bubbles to the body, expected surface wear and light scratches. An old label adhered to the base. Please note that this lot includes a stand, frame or other component made from a type of Chinese hardwood, which, if exported, will require a CITES permit to leave the United States.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Compare a similar blue glass bottle vase in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, included in the exhibition Clear as Crystal, Red as Flame, China Institute, New York, 1990, cat. no. 33. Another related example is illustrated in Zhang Rong, Luster of Autumn Water: Glass of the Qing Imperial Workshop, Beijing, 2005, pl. 20. See also an example sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th April 2011, lot 3097, and another sold at Christie's New York, 18th September 2014, lot 1133.  The present pair of vases was in the collection of Edward A. "Tink" Adams, who founded ArtCenter in 1930, a college dedicated to graphic and industrial design in Southern California. The vases were gifted to Adams following his visit to Japan in 1956, during which he advised on industrial design to aid in the nation's post-war recovery.