A CARVED JADE BOULDER WATER VESSEL QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the hollowed vessel with thick walls decorated in low relief on the exterior with a long-tailed bird perched on a rock amidst gnarled pines, flowering prunus trees and clustered bamboo leaves, well-carved to make use of the russet coloration on the surface of the yellowish-green stone with diffuse opaque white inclusions, carved to retain the irregular contours of the original pebble.

By repute, purchased from JJ Lally & Co., New York, circa 1995. Lally & Co paper label to base.

The vessel is in very good overall condition. As illustrated the stone has some predominant dark russet inclusions running horizontally and vertically through the carving at recto and verso.
"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."

Rustic imagery combined with auspicious symbols was a typical theme during the Qing Dynasty and was used frequently to adorn jade waterpots and other articles for the scholar's table.  The prunus, pine and bamboo are known as the 'Three Friends', all emblems of longevity and of winter, as well as symbols of the qualities of the gentleman. The prunus is associated with sturdiness and independence in that it flowers at a time when very few plants can survive. The pine is symbolic of the constancy of friendship and of endurance. The bamboo, known for durability, is symbolic of the integrity of the scholar and gentleman who remains loyal in the face of adversity.Compare a similar jade waterpot also carved with pine on the exterior published in Zhongguo yuqi quanji,  vol. 6, Shijiazhuang, 1993, pl. 299.