A PAIR OF FINE WHITE JADE BOWLS MARKS AND PERIOD OF JIAQING

each of deep rounded form rising from a neatly finished straight footring to a slightly everted rim, the finely polished stone of an even white tone throughout, attractively suffused with some slightly opaque inclusions, incised on the base with the four-character mark

Collection of Marcel Cottreau, which was then sold at Galerie Georges Petit in 1910, a leading gallery in Paris at the turn of the 20th century.
 

The overall condition of both bowls is very good. The jade is very evenly matched in tone. The polish is very glossy.
"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 pair of white jade bowls is exceptional both with regard to the purity of the stone, as well as the quality of the polish.  Plain, elegant vessels were made to show off the superiority of the material, whereas carved designs often served the purpose of hiding original flaws in the stone.  The shape of the bowls, with their everted rounded sides and straight rims, were typical from the late Qianlong period onwards. 

Fine white jade bowls from the Jiaqing period are very rare.  Most bowls with this high-quality stone are dated to the earlier Qianlong period.  See a similar bowl illustrated in Angus Forsyth and Brian McElney, Jades from China, The Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, England, 1994, cat.no. 340, where it is discussed that bowls of this fine quality could only have been produced during the 18th century when stone of this almost flawless quality was in abundant supply, and could well have been one of the bowls ordered from Suzhou by the imperial court in 1753.  Also compare a similar pair of unmarked white jade bowls but dated to the Qianlong period, sold in these rooms, 10th April 2006, lot 1763.  A single white bowl with a Qianlong mark from the Concordia House Collection, sold in our New York rooms, 19th March 2007, lot 11.