Lot

420

Lot 420

Chinese, Qianlong mark and period (1735-1796) An important I...

1/50

Hammer

£125,000

Fees

Chinese, Qianlong mark and period (1735-1796)
An important Imperial bronze and gilt vase
Of baluster form, very finely cast in trompe-l'oeil design of Chinese coins against a diaper background. With stylised chilong dragons to the neck and Greek key border to the top. With a six-character Qianlong impressed sealmark to the underside of base.
The casting of this piece is exceptionally fine in detail and execution. It is the type of object, which the Emperor Qianlong employed artisans to create at vast expense for his enjoyment.

This vase was a highlight of the BBC Antiques Roadshow programme in 1986, where Sebastian Pearson, a well-known Oriental specialist, valued it at £2000-4000.

Provenance:
Property of Major General Sir Courtenay Manifold, KCB, CMB, MB (1864-1957), a military doctor, explorer and collector, sent on special mission to western China and central China in 1899;
Thence by descent;
Sold on behalf of an estate

Dimensions: 33 cm. (H) x 21 cm. (W)