Vase couvert archaïsant en jade céladon pâle Chine, dynastie Qing, fin du XVIIIE- début du XIXE siècle

de forme balustre aplatie à section carrée, le col allant en se rétrécissant flanqué d'anses en têtes d'éléphants, le pied légèrement évasé, à décor archaïsant très finement sculpté de masques de taotie, animaux fabuleux et ruyi stylisés autour du col, le couvercle agrémenté de masques de taotie ; longue inclusion rouille sur une face et les côtés

Good condition. A few minor nicks around the mouthrim. A nick and a tiny (3mm) bruise to the footrim. There is a radiant natural linear russet inclusion in the stone to the reverse of the vase running across the bottom of the main face and extending up diagonally to the side of it, the tip-end appearing on the upper left of the front as seen on the illustration in the catalogue. There are also some tiny nicks along the edges of the carved elephant heads. A few minor nicks around the cover rim and a small polished chip to the cover inside rim. The actual color is a fraction more pale celadon than the illustration would suggest in the catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This vase is impressive for its large size and fine carving of the elephant head handles and archaistic decoration in low relief. A vase of this size and form, but adorned with an Indian lotus scroll design and ringed monster-mask handles, from the R. Norris Shreeve collection, was sold in our New York rooms, 31^st May 1994, lot 52. Compare also a larger vase of similar form, but flanked with dragon-mask handles suspending loose rings, its foot with broad indentations on each side and the body carved with an exquisite landscape scene inhabited by figures, sold three times at auction, most recently in our Hong Kong rooms, 2^nd May 2005, lot 563.