Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000
Auction: September 15, 2008 11:00:00 AM EDT
Well hollowed cylindrical recess worked to show raised bud to the center radiating reeded petals, rim worked to show spout mouth, rim framed by detailed and highly reticulated lattice-work of carved peony, blossom, and wide scrolling leaves.
L: 5 1/2 in.Provenance: Property of Sir & Lady Coates, Belfast, Ireland.
By family descent.
Private Collection, Virginia.
By repute direct gift from Emperor Qianlong to British ambassador Earl Macartney.
Macartney led the British Embassy to Beijing in 1793, and met Qianlong, refused to kowtow and insulted Qianlong over a jade gift, a gift Macartney referred to as worthless.
Macartney returned to Britain in 1794.