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A FINE WHITE JADE 'TWIN FISH' BOWL QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH / EARLY 19TH CENTURY
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description
the gently curved sides rising from four short ruyi-shaped feet to an indented everted rim, carved in low relief to the interior with a pair of fish and around the exterior with four Buddhist emblems divided by fu characters, the well polished stone of very pale celadon-white tone
Condition
The bowl is in very good overall 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Compare a celadon jade bowl similarly carved with twin fish on the interior, but with archaic motifs on the exterior, sold at Christie's London, 8th April 1981, lot 237; a pair of slightly smaller white jade bowls, but with a plain exterior, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 9th November 1982, lot 357; and another carved with a pair of archaistic fish sold in these rooms, 10th February 1975, lot 249.
One of the bajixiang, the twin fish motif symbolises freedom from restraint as well as the wish for marital bliss, prosperity and an abundance of good luck. Because fish are reputed to swim in pairs and are known for their reproductive power, the double fish stand for the joys of union and numerous offspring. The wish for peace and blessings represented by the bajixiang is reinforced by the depiction of four double fish and stone chimes, symbolic of a superabundance of auspicious happiness, between fu (blessing) characters.