A FINE GREEN KHOTAN JADE 'PHOENIX' JAR QIANLONG MARK AND PERIOD

of ovoid form rising from a short spreading foot pierced with three small rectangles, carved in high relief around the exterior with three large phoenix with outspread wings, incised four-character mark to the base, the stone of dark green tone

Removed from the Summer Palace, Beijing, 1860 (by repute).

Collection of General Herbert Slade, King's Dragon Guards.

Spink & Son, London, 1962.

Thereafter with the present owner.

 

This rare jade jar is in very good overall condition with the exception of a tiny chip to the tip of one handle.
"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 present jar is a fine example of the high standard of craftsmanship that characterises Qing period jade carving. Meticulously carved feathers and clawed feet complement the smooth rounded form of the jar and the heads of the phoenixes to create a highly-tactile and aesthetically pleasing piece. A closely related example in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, is illustrated in Masterworks of Chinese Jade in the National Palace Museum. Supplement, Taipei, 1980, no. 41; a white jade version was sold at Christie's Paris, 14^th June 2006, lot 127; and another carved in 'chicken bone' coloured jade, was sold at Christie's New York, 24^th March 2004, lot 41. Compare also two white jade jars of this rare form, one carved with turtledoves and the other with roosters, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, published in Yang Boda, Chinese Jades throughout the Ages, vol. 11, Chicago, 1996, pls 68 and 69.

Vessels of this type are inspired by earlier Tang dynasty jars. For a Tang example, see one in the Palace Museum, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware II, Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 33.

The phoenix is the emperor of all birds and only appears in times of peace and prosperity. As the motif for the empress of China, the phoenix symbolises benevolence and frequently ornamented her crown as well as her robes.