Bidspirit auction | Qing Dynasty Underglaze-Blue 'Medallion and

Qing Dynasty Underglaze-Blue 'Medallion and Nine-Peaches' Zun with Animal-Mask Handles - THE QIANLONG LEGACY: AN IMPERIAL BLUE AND WHITE TREASURE This magnificent vase, produced during the height of the Qianlong reign, draws inspiration from archaic bronze forms. It features a waisted neck flanked by a pair of animal-mask handles with fixed rings, leading to a generously rounded body that tapers toward a splayed foot. The vessel is masterfully decorated in underglaze blue, showcasing the sophisticated complexity and technical precision of the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. The decorative program is organized into multiple horizontal bands. The neck is adorned with continuous lotus scrolls, while the main body features prominent lozenge-shaped panels enclosing ripening peaches on leafy branches. The peach is a quintessential Chinese symbol of longevity. Surrounding the panels are dense floral sprays and lingzhi fungus, signifying further auspicious blessings. The cobalt blue is vibrant and meticulously applied, with deliberate ”heaping and piling” effects that pay homage to early 15th-century Ming masterpieces. The base is inscribed with the six-character seal mark of the Qianlong Emperor in underglaze blue. Accompanied by a finely carved hardwood stand, this vase remains in excellent condition. Its combination of robust silhouette, auspicious iconography, and superb potting makes it a significant acquisition for collectors of Qing Dynasty Imperial porcelain.