The baluster form vase with pierced stylised dragon handles was very large at 2ft 4in (68cm) high and finely decorated in enamels with a frieze of blossoming peonies, chrysanthemum and prunus within a lime green border.
It carried at Jiaqing (1796-1820) mark and was of the period. However, as demonstrated by a number of photographs provided by the Macclesfield auctioneer, the vase was in poor condition. Badly broken and crudely re-glued across the body and the base, there were also significant areas of loss to the rim.
In recent years, as prices for the best Qing porcelain has spiralled, buyers have shown more tolerance towards damaged pieces. A similar 13in (32cm) vase from the preceding Qianlong period (1735-96) in broken condition ‘sold’ at Eastbourne Auctions earlier this year for £70,000 against a £100 estimate.
After the buyer failed to pay, it was reoffered on June 8 with bidders asked to provide a deposit of £5000. It sold this time at £53,000 (plus 24% buyer’s premium).
