Lot 139
East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period, ca. 1736 to 1795 CE. A remarkable blue and white porcelain ewer and cover modeled in the form of an ancient bronze he vessel, this imperial-style piece reflects the Qing court's enduring fascination with antiquity. Elegantly perched on four columnar legs, the globular body is decorated with the bajixiang, the Eight Buddhist Emblems, each emblem set above stylized lotus blossoms and framed by the C-shaped handle and tapered spout. Below the spout appears the dharma wheel, and beneath the handle, the sacred lotus - completing the symbolic symmetry. The upright neck is encircled by a lively lingzhi scroll, a motif that continues on the domed cover and along the legs, spout, and handle. A band of key-fret design marks the transition from neck to shoulder, grounding the composition in classical geometric harmony. Size: 8.9" L x 6.1" W x 8.5" H (22.6 cm x 15.5 cm x 21.6 cm); 10" H (25.4 cm) on included custom stand.
The cover is pierced with a small steam vent and topped with a loop finial, completing the vessel's graceful silhouette. This shape, known as he, is based on Zhou dynasty bronze prototypes originally used for warming or diluting wine. However, Qing examples such as this were likely intended for ceremonial or decorative purposes, rather than utilitarian function. The revival of archaic forms was especially prevalent under the Qianlong emperor, who admired and commissioned works inspired by the distant past.
Bearing a six-character Qianlong seal mark in underglaze blue on the base, this ewer embodies the refined craftsmanship and historicism of the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. Pieces of this type are celebrated for their sculptural elegance, deep cobalt painting, and scholarly appeal.
A similar blue and white ewer and cover with a Qianlong six-character seal mark hammered 118,750 GBP (equivalent to $155,795 at the time and now $193,112.19 with inflation) at Christie's London on November 3, 2020 (lot 174 in Live Auction 18883 "Important Chinese Art").
Provenance: ex-T.F. Holy Lands collection; ex-Apollo Art Auctions, London, UK; ex-Ma San Auction, Bath, UK; ex-private English collection of Sir Mark Heath KCVO CMG (1927-2005), and thence by descent
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#196006
- Condition: Intact and excellent with included custom, wooden stand. Six-character Qianlong seal mark in underglaze on underside of base.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |