A spinach-green jade archaistic 'phoenix' rhyton, Qing dynasty, 18th century | 清十八世紀 碧玉雕仿古祥鳳螭龍觥

Elegantly carved from a spinach-green jade boulder, this piece features a phoenix and is notable for its reinterpretation and fusion of two traditions: that of archaic bronzes and horn-shaped vessels. The iconography of an animal or bird supporting a vase on its back can be traced back to the archaic period. Revived during the Song dynasty, the design reached its peak in popularity during the Qing dynasty, when it was produced in numerous variations and in many different materials, including jade. By replacing the typical vase form with a horn-shaped vessel that appears to emerge as a natural extension of the phoenix, the carver successfully captures the essence of the rhyton form. Similar to many later archaistic jades, the form and decoration of this vessel do not strictly follow a specific ancient prototype but are rather refined interpretations and combinations of earlier bronze motifs and patterns. This sophisticated work of art serves as a tribute to the lasting influence and adaptability of Chinese artistic traditions.

Compare a related rhyton carved with chilong dragon decoration in the collection of Yihe yuan, the New Summer Palace, Beijing, illustrated in Yubao qiulin, Qinggong jiucang yuqi/ Treasure of Imperial Jade, The Collection of the Qing Court Special Exhibition, Beijing, 2018, pl. 21; another related rhyton with dragon design and imperial inscription, in the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in jingtian gewu zhongguo lidai yuqi daodu /Art in Quest of Heaven and Earth, A Guide to Chinese Jades through the Age], Taipei, 2011, pl. 2-2-13a, pp. 17-18; a related, smaller example in the collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing (acc. no. Gu 103369), illustrated in gugong bowuyuan cangpin daxi yuqi bian / Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Jade, vol. 8, Beijing, 2011, pl. 225; compare also a related vessel of white jade with low-relief carving of a phoenix, sold at Christies New York, 14th September, 2012, lot 1088; another white jade piece, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th October 2014, lot 3671; and a spinach-green jade example of smaller size and simpler design, sold at Christie’s London, 14th May 2014, lot 702.