A FINE WHITE JADE ZHADOU YUYONG MARK AND PERIOD OF JIAQING

the vase of elegant form with a compressed globular body meeting the gently flared neck at a sharp angle, supported on a slightly splayed foot, the translucent stone of an even pale-celadon white tone with a visible vein across the body, the base with an incised four-character mark, Jiaqing Yuyong.

By Repute, an Old American Collection.

The overall condition is very good with only one faint vein across the main body.
"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 interest in antiquity permeated the arts of China since the Song dynasty and reached its peak in the 17^th and 18^th century. This rare jade zhadou takes inspiration from the spittoon vessels, which appear from the Tang dynasty onwards. Vessels of this elegant shape were once produced for the use in the Tang court and its white colour closely resembles the 'snow and silver-like' white ceramics of this form produced during this period. 

This zhadou is particularly notable for its yuyong mark, which designated the piece for the personal use of the Emperor.  The yuyong mark was only used on rare occasions for the Emperor's most admired objects and is certainly the most prestigious among all marks found on Imperial wares. 

A similar carved zhadou from the Palace Museum in Beijing is published in Jadeware (III), The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 1995, cat. no. 195. Unlike the Palace Museum zhadou, the present lot is defined by the purity of the white stone. Its simple, splendidly undecorated surface enhances the flawless quality of the stone, which prompted the all powerful Emperor to reserve it for his own use.