Page 398 - Christies September 13 to 14th Fine Chinese Works of Art New York

PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF DR. AND MRS. JEROME S. COLES
1389
A RARE FAMILLE-ROSE RUBY-GROUND JAR
QIANLONG SIX-CHARACTER SEAL MARK IN IRON RED AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)
The sides are decorated with the ribbon-tied Eight Buddhist Emblems (bajixiang) arranged in two
registers, each born on a scrolling lotus stem and alternating with exotic fowers borne on scrolling leafy
stems, all on a ground of rich ruby color between borders of multi-colored petals below and ruyi heads
above. A narrow band of classic scroll encircles the mouth rim and turquoise enamel covers the interior
and the base surrounding the mark.
13 in. (33 cm.) high
$30,000-50,000

The decoration of the present jar epitomizes much of the extravagant, colorful, and technically
unsurpassed Qianlong style. Using enamels in almost every color available with great delicacy
and skill, the jar combines a formality of design with a liveliness and detail in the execution.
It is unusual to fnd this famille rose ruby-ground palette on a jar of this shape. It is more frequently
seen on smaller, two-handled vases, such as the double-gourd form vase illustrated in The Complete
Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum – 39 – Porcelains with Cloisonné Enamel Decoration and
Famille Rose Decoration, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 144, no. 126, and the vase with lotus scroll and Daoist
Emblems, illustrated ibid., p. 145, no. 127.
Other examples of Qianlong-period, ruby-ground vases with iron-red seal marks include a vase
sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 27 May 2008, lot 1547, and a pair sold at Christie’s Hong Kong,
29 May 2013, lot 1922.
清乾隆 胭脂紅地粉彩八吉祥紋罐 六字篆書款

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