A FINE AND RARE WHITE JADE WATER COUPE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the compressed ovoid quatrelobed bowl carved with a musical stone suspending a Xi character, 'happiness', over the mouth rim forming a bridge across the top terminating in tassels at the spout, between a pair of handles carved with lotus and lingzhi fungus, all raised on four bracket feet, the stone of semi-translucent whitish tone with russet inclusions, applied paper labels

S. Marchant & Son.

This finely carved coupe is in very good condition. It should be noted that the stone is of a slightly darker celadon-white tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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."

An identical water vessel, possibly the pair to the present piece, from the collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, illustrated in Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 105, was sold at Christie's New York, 26th March 2001, and again, 28th November 2006, lot 1361. A larger vessel of related form and decoration, also in the Hartman collection, is illustrated ibid., p. 76, pl. 67, where it is mentioned that vessels of this elegant form embody the twin elements of perfect craftsmanship, in the quality of the finish and in the clever combination of the xi character with the endless knot which together symblize long-life and good charm.

See another comparable vessel, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing in the Palace Museum, illustrated in Zhongguo yuqi quanji, vol. 6, Shijiazhuang, 1993, pl. 318; and one included in the 45th Anniversary Exhibition of the Min Chiu Society, Auspicious Emblems, Hong Kong, 2005, cat.no. 218.