of hu form, the body carved with opposing kuilong medallions and upward flying bats, the neck carved with stylized shou characters and elephant-head handles, the design of kuilong and bats repeated on the domed cover, surmounted by a ring finial, the base with a wheel-cut four-character seal mark Qianlong nian zhi, the transparent crystal with some minor inclusions

Threre is an approximately 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) shallow chip on the inside of the neck, just below the rim, and a minor nick to the inner rim. It is possible that the vase may have had loose ring handles.
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.

A rock crystal water vessel carved with a band of kuilong, with a similar wheel-cut mark, and possibly related to the present lot, is illustrated in Arts from the Scholar's Studio, The Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong and the Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Catalogue, 1986, no. 93, where it is stated that such pieces represent the more refined side of the Qianlong Emperor's character.