A FINE WHITE JADE 'POMEGRANATE' WATERDROPPER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

finely carved as a cluster of two pomegranates borne on a gnarled leafy stalk, the larger fruit hollowed to form the vessel, with fleshy leaves naturalistically rendered with gently curling edges around the mouthrim, the reverse carved with a patch burst open revealing the seeds, the stone of a translucent celadon white tone with attractive bright amber inclusions highlighting the carving, wood stand 

Christie's Hong Kong, 28th November 2006, lot 1359.

Christie's New York, 13-26th March 2001. 
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, August 2003 - December 2004.

Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 109. 

The piece is in very good condition overall. It has been particularly well carved, using the natural inclusion to enhance the carving.
"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 jade pomegranate waterdropper is cleverly designed for its function.  The round hollowed out body holds the water, while the narrow opening regulates the flow of water into fine single droplets, dispersed along the natural channels formed by the collar of leaves around the neck.  The russet skin creates a sense of realism. 

Pomegranates were popular in Chinese art because of its symbolic significance of representing fertility with all the seeds inside.  In most depictions of pomegranates, the skin is torn back to reveal the seeds inside.  The present lot is unusual in that the skin is left intact and is a more natural depiction of the fruit.