A SMALL YELLOW JADE ARCHAISTIC VESSEL, ZUN 17TH CENTURY

of squat flattened form resting on a low stepped foot, well carved in high relief with two qilong dragons, the larger dragon clambering up at the mouthrim, and the other playfully climbing up from the foot on the other side, the dragons with slender, muscular bodies and long bifurcated tails, the mottled yellow stone with dark brown splashes and some russet veins

Spink & Son Ltd.
De Menasce Collection.

The vessel is in very good condition. The stone has a smooth patina. There are natural veins to the stone. The colour is slightly deeper than the illustration depicts.
"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 piece is an unusual and fine example of the all-encompassing jade carver's repertoire, which ranged from animal figures to vessels. The archaistic form of the ewer appears to have its origin in the archaic bronze zun shape, which has been modified to form a spout on one side, while the qilong dragons recall the Han dynasty. See an archaistic ewer of pear-shaped form with a clambering qilong forming a handle, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29^th September 1992, lot 722.