elegantly potted with a compressed globular body supported on three tapering foot, rising to a slender cylindrical neck and sweeping up to a garlic-form mouth, unctuously applied overall with a clair-de-lune glaze in a pale sky-blue tone, the base inscribed with a six-character seal mark in underglaze blue, wood stand

仇焱之（1910-1980年）收藏
香港蘇富比2008年4月11日，編號2991

It is in overall very good condition except for some burst air bubbles around the unglazed feet.
"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."

Notable for its elegant silhouette and attractive luminous glaze, known as tianlan (‘sky blue’), this vase draws on celebrated traditions and reinterprets them to result in an innovative and engaging piece. In form it is reminiscent of bronze hu of the Han period; see a bronze vase with a similar squat globular body, tall slender neck and garlic mouth in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures in the Palace Museum. Bronze Articles for Daily Use, Hong Kong, 2006, pl. 50.

The level of technical perfection attained by the craftsmen working under the Qianlong Emperor is evident in the meticulous form and symmetry of the vase together with the thin translucent glaze. A slightly larger vase of this form and glaze, from the collection of P.J. Donnelly, was sold at Christie’s London, 15th June 1998, lot 143. See also a slightly smaller vase of this form, covered in a light celadon glaze, illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol. II, London, 1994, pl. 853.