Important rince-pinceaux en jade céladon pâle Dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong

sculpté en forme d'une grande pêche évidée, le pourtour enveloppé de branchages feuillagés chargés de fleurs et de pêches, le bord visité de deux petites chauves-souris aux ailes déployées, la belle pierre d'une couleur uniforme au doux poli

Christie's London, 21st March 1966, lot 124.
(No. 74 in the collectors' files).

There are small chips to the tips of two petals of the single flower on the side of the washer. There are minute fritts and tiny chips to the raised parts of the carved design. There are scattered calcified spots to the stone, one small area to the side with needle-like inclusions. There are several natural flaws or veins that have been incorporated into the carving. The stone is of a pale celadon tone.
"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."

The rounded, slightly incurved sides of this impressive vessel suggest a use as a water pot or a brush washer. The shape of the original jade boulder from which this impressive washer was carved may have influenced the shape of the object into which it was carved. In this case, it has taken the form of a rather large peach, a fruit laden with symbolism as it represents longevity and happiness. Additional auspicious creatures are incorporated into the design: Bats in flight are hovering on the exterior of the washer, flying amidst branches heavily laden with more if smaller peaches, representing additional happiness or blessings. The Chinese word for bat is fu, a homophone for ‘happiness’.

Compare with two very similar, yet smaller jade peach-shaped bowls from the Hartman Collection, illustrated in Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, no. 92 and 93. Kleiner notes that these washers had a 'massive sculptural quality', a feature that the present jade washer also shares, see Robert Kleiner, ibid., p. 110.