A FAMILLE ROSE 'HUNDRED DEER' HU-SHAPED VASE, China, Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue, Guangxu period, Of archaistic form, the full-bodied vase painted in vivid enamels with a herd of deer, comprising bucks, does and their young with reddish-brown fur, spotted hide and dappled white coats. The deer are grazing, gambolling and resting in a lush landscape, amidst pine and peach trees, bamboo, lingzhi, and a meandering stream flowing through blue-shaded rocks from high mountains in the distance. The tapering sides are set with a pair of stylised dragon handles picked out in iron-red and gilt - Provenance: From a German private collection, acquired in 1978 from an art dealer in Wiesbaden, Germany - Wood stand - Small old rest. chips at the rim