Lot 3803. A very rare imperial yellow glass vase, Yongzheng four-character mark within double-squares and of the period (1723-1735); 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 400,000 - HKD 600,000. Price Realized HKD 475,000. © Christie's Images Ltd. 2011

The ovoid vase with gently slopped shoulder and rounded rim, the countersunk base inscribed with the reign mark, the metal of primrose yellow tone suffused with slightly warmer tones, box.

Note: Vases of the shape are extremely rare and there appear to be no other examples recorded. This vase can most closely be compared to a smaller Yongzheng marked globular water pot in the Palace Museum Beijing, illustrated by Zhang Rong (ed.), Luster of Autumn Water, Glass of the Qing Imperial Workshop, Forbidden City Publishing House, 2005, no. 13, where the authors consider it a masterpiece with its characteristic glossy quality and smooth yellow colour.

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 1 June 2011, Convention Hall