A FINELY-CARVED AND LARGE PALE CELADON MARRIAGE BOWL QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the shallow vessel deeply carved to the center of the interior with a lively group of two peaches borne on a meandering leafy branch, accompanied by lingzhi, bamboo, narcissus and a fluttering bat, the reverse with the bajixiang ('Eight Buddhist Emblems') and shuangxi ('Double Happiness') characters carved in low-relief, finished with a pair of dramatically reticulated open-winged bats with barrel-chested bodies, open mouths and prominent double-horns, the flat base supported by four short bracket feet, the pale celadon stone with snowy-white inclusions, elaborately carved wood stand (2)

Collection of Mr. and Mrs. R.H.R. Palmer, no. 117 (acquired in London, June 1935).

In very good condition, although there are very minor and shallow tiny nibbles to the interior and on the handles.
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.

Marriage bowls were popular during the Qing period and are often decorated with auspicious symbols, such as on the present example. Peaches and bats together represent a blessing of longevity, and more specifically a pair of bats symbolizes a wish for double blessings. The shuangxi characters on the exterior is the traditional wedding motif of 'Double Happiness', further reinforcing the blessing bestowed upon the recipient of this grand jade bowl.

A marriage bowl featuring similar 'winged' handles in the Palace Museum, Beijing and attributed to the mid-Qing period, is illustrated in Zhongguo yuqi quanji (zhong), Nanjing, no. 310, p. 623. A second piece also in the Palace Museum, carved with auspicious symbols on the interior and featuring 'winged' handles suspending loose rings, is of similar height to the present example (see op.cit., no. 316, p. 624).

The large size of the bowl is very rare, though another attributed to the Qianlong period, from the Dexingshuwu collection was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 26th April 2004, lot 1226.