A WHITE JADE VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of archaistic hu form, the gently rounded sides rising from a splayed foot to a broad mouth, flanked at the sides by a pair of crisply carved elephant head handles, each suspending a loose ring, surmounted by a cover with a finial in the form of a Buddhist lion, finely carved with its head turned back to the left and its bushy tail coiled over its backside, the translucent stone of an even milky-white tone with an unctous glossy finish

Christie's New York, 6th June 1985, lot 83. 

The piece is generally in very good condition overall. There is expected nibbling to the edges of the rims of vase and cover, resulting from wear and usage over time, the largest to the exterior of vase at the rim of approx 0.1 by 0.1cm. The actual color of the jade is slightly warmer with a touch more ivory color, than in the catalogue illustration.
"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."

It is rare to find Qianlong period jade refrained from elaborate carvings on the surface.  The present lot is a celebration of the flawless white stone.  The only decoration comes from the elephant-head ring handles and the lion finial which give it a sophisticated flare.  Compare a simple white jade hu vase with elephant and ring handles in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in The Refined Taste of the Emperor: Special Exhibition of Archaic and Pictorial Jades of the Ch'ing Court, Taiwan, 1997, p. 87. 

The elephant, a common motif on jades especially as handles, symbolises high moral standards, strength and astuteness and often is depicted with the lion, as is on the present lot.