A SMALL INSCRIBED WHITE JADE MOON FLASK AND COVER QING DYNASTY

the well-hollowed vessel of circular form with swelling body risign from a low splayed foot, surmounted by a neck of rectangular section set with twin handles in the form of stylized beasts suspending pendant rings, on side carved in shallow relief with a classical river and mountain landscape, a pine-shaded pavilion in the foreground, a small sailing vessel in the distance, the reverse with a finely incised poem clerical script, ending with a four-character Qianlong seal mark, the cover of conforming shape with faceted knop finial, the stone of a snowy white tone with slight russet inclusions skillfully incorporated into the design, wood stand (3)

Mrs. F. Clore Davis, London (sister of Sir Charles Clore), by repute.
G. Malina Inc., New York.
Acquired from the above by the present owner, January 1982.

Marilyn W. Fu, 'Antiques: Calligraphy. The Artistry of the Written Word', Architectural Digest, May 1980, p. 93.

overall good condition, tiny flake, nearly invisible, to one corner of knop on cover, otherwise good, internal flaws nearly all incorporated into carved decoration, two very faint russet blushes to text side of vessel, majority of pale russet color associated with internal flaws
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The poem may be translated as

"The fair sky is enlightened by a distant sail, the bright moon is illuminated by a pureness of the willows and clouds, people drift away with the flowing waters but nature remains forever, splashing waves play harmonious songs as the water's vapors rise from the lake like puffs of smoke"

The incised poem on the present vessel may be interpreted not only as a celebration of the evocative quality of the landscape, but also as an allusion to the luminosity and endurance of the material used to create this fine vessel. The poem mentions that while 'people drift away with the flowing water's, nature, on the other hand, 'remains forever',  just like the jade from which this vessel is formed.

For a slightly larger jade flask and cover of similar form but decorated on both sides with figures among landscape, compare the vessel sold in our London rooms, 5th December 1995, lot 126. The motif of twined and knotted ropes in concert with such decoration is also unusual and is more typically seen on jade vessels inspired by archaic forms; for example see a vase illustrated in S. Howard Hansford, Chinese Carved Jades, London, 1968, fig. 74; and a fangding and cover, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 31st October 1995, lot 330.