The Lotus and Bat Jar and Cover. (Click on image to enlarge). UPDATE: This was unsold.
A Qing Dynasty doucai ‘Lotus and Bats’ jar will feature at Sotheby’s sale of fine Chinese Ceramics and works of art in London on November 9. The 18th century jar bears the seal mark of Emperor Qianlong. It has spent 30 years on the diningroom floor of a house in Shropshire, its value unknown. The discovery is made even more exceptional by its intact cover.
The jar bears the auspicious Chinese Lotus and Bats motif, expertly painted in doucai or dovetailing colours technique applied to a small group of the highest quality porcelains. This results in an elegant effect of bright colours softly blending into the outlines, of which this jar is a fine example. The estimate for the piece is £300,000-500,000.
See post on antiquesandartireland.com for October 17.