A YELLOW JADE VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the vase of flattened ovoid form flanked at the neck by a pair of scroll handles, well carved in high relief on one side with a phoenix standing on a spray of lingzhi fungus emerging from the foot of the vase, grasping a sprig of lingzhi in its mouth, with a qilong dragon clambering playfully up the vase, the cover of conforming shape surmounted by an oval knop, the stone of a pale yellow tone with russet-brown splashes and finished with a smooth polish

There is a chip to the tip of the tail feather on the back. There is also a tiny nick to the edge of the lingzhi held in the beak of the phoenix and a minute nick to the base of the lingzhi branch near the foot. The mouthrim has a minute nick and the underside of the cover has 2 minute 2mm bruises to the rim. The actual color is a touch greener and the russet patches are about 5 % less red than in the catalogue photo. The overall condition is still very good.
"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."

Yellow jade was much treasured by the Qianlong emperor, whose imperial jade collection surpassed that of any of his predecessors in quality.  The Qianlong emperor's contribution to the improvement of jade crafting techniques and his connoisseurship of jades were notable, whereby he insisted on examining every piece of jade presented to him, spent much time in identifying each piece and recorded his opinion in the form of poems to be published or inscribed on the jades (Yang Boda, 'Jade: Emperor Ch'ien Lung's Collection in the Palace Museum, Peking', Arts of Asia, March-April, 1992, p.82).  

The style of carving of the dragon found on the present piece is also consistent with imperial taste.  The qilong was especially popular during the Qianlong period when it was used for decorating works of art.  The quality of the carving found on the present piece, particularly apparent on the reticulated phoenix standing upon sprig of lingzhi fungus, is representative of the imperial jade carver. 

Compare a related small yellow jade vase carved with clambering qilong, illustrated in Roger Keverne (ed.), Jade, London, 1995, fig.55, p.151; and another formerly in the collection of Mary and George Bloch, sold in these rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 73.  Also see one from the Concordia House Collection, sold in our New York rooms, 19th March 2007, lot 30.