The celadon-glazed Yongzheng (1722-35) mark and period vase comes for sale at Mallams in Cheltenham from the family of Charles George, a knowledgeable mid-20th century collector.
Meticulously documenting his purchases in a handwritten inventory, George recorded the inclusion of this vase in the 1947 Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition of celadon wares prepared by founder member and expert on Chinese glazes Arthur L Hetherington. In 1952 he estimated it to be worth £12-15.
The form of this 9½in (23.5cm) vase, moulded to the base with bands of chrysanthemum petals and to the neck with ribs in imitation of bamboo, is inspired by a Longquan prototype from the Southern Song period.
The foot bears a six-character Yongzheng mark painted in blue in zhuanshu script under the watery celadon glaze with a textured bluish tone that is characteristic of the period. It retains the Oriental Ceramic Society label and the exhibit No 130 to its base.
Charles George’s £12-15 vase now carries an estimate of £20,000-30,000.
