A FINE AND RARE WHITE JADE 'PHOENIX AND BAMBOO' VASE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

finely carved in the form of a hollowed section of bamboo, with an elegant phoenix standing tall upon lingzhi fungus sprays rising from the base and gripping a sprig of lotus blooms in its beak, its plumage, fluttering tail, beak and eyes delicately detailed with fine carved lines, with a leafy stem of peony blooms growing up the front of the bamboo stalk, and slender bamboo shoots on the reverse, the stone of an even pale celadon tone with occasional pale russet inclusions, stand

There are tiny nibbles to the edges of the mouthrim, but otherwise the piece is generally in very good condition overall.
"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 design of phoenix amongst bamboo stalks and clumps of lingzhi fungus is highly auspicious, representing peace (ping an ruyi). According to Theresa Tse Bartholomew in Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, San Francisco, 2006, p. 232, the term 'ping an ruyi' conveys peace as well as the fulfillment of all wishes.

See a vase of similar design but of double-bamboo form from the Avery Brundage Collection illustrated in ibid., p.232.