Rince pinceau en jade céladon pale Chine, dynastie Qing, XVIII-XIXE siècle

sculpté en forme de tête de ruyi sur trois pieds rectangulaires, le côté à décor de rochers, chrysanthèmes et champignons auspicieux lingzhi, le pourtour et la base incisés d'une longue inscription dorée, une autre inscirption à huit caractères au bord; socle en bois sculpté

A few tiny minute chips to the rim, another small chip to the tip-end of the ruyi pointing head, some natural linear inclusions in the stone and surface dirt, otherwise in good condition.
"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."

A larger water vessel of related ruyi form and also with an inscription on the exterior was sold at Christie's New York, 28^th March 1996, lot 21. Compare also a a slightly earlier washer in the form of a ruyi head and similarly supported on three short feet, but carved in high relief with three chilong, sold in our London rooms, 6^th June 1995, lot 37; and another sold at Christie's London, 1^st December 1997, lot 5.

Vessels of this form and decoration would have made appropriate birthday gifts. The combination of the ruyi-form, which means 'as you wish', with the carved decoration of the chrysanthemum, narcissus and lingzhi fungus issuing from rocks, represents the wish, 'May the group of immortals congratulate you on your birthday (qunxian zhushou).