A Celadon Jade 'Dragon' Vase and Cover Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period

of flattened hu form, shaped rectangular section, with elaborate archaistic animal-head mask 'handles' flanking the tapered neck, the front and back of the body carved in relief with a sinuous five-clawed dragon, depicted head-on, pursuing a 'flaming pearl' among scrolling clouds, the neck carved in low-relief with stylized taotie masks, all on a low spreading foot, the slightly domed conforming cover similarly carved in low-relief, with conforming flattened knop finial, the stone of a pale celadon green with russett-tinged inclusions, gilt-metal stand (3)

underside of vase drilled, one scroll to mask 'handle' with tiny flake, body with internal flaws and fissures, partially incorporated into carving; cover with minor flake to edge of finial, tiny flake to lower edge of cover
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.
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This rendition of the Imperial dragon, facing forward as its body twists in a sinuous manner, is based on Ming depictions, but the present example is distinctly 18th century, with the energetic dragon writhing among scrolling clouds, as is found on one of a pair of bronze vases originally from the Summer Palace, Beijing, with Qianlong mark and of the period, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 10th April 2006, lot 1537. Compare a white jade vase similar to the present example, with dragon handles, from the collection of Heber Bishop, illustrated in Joan M. Hartman, Chinese Jades of Five Centuries, Rutland, 1969, pl. 36, pp. 126-127. See also a vase of similar form and decoration, with leaf-lappets to the neck, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 31st October 2000, lot 526.