A white jade 'prunus' vase and cover Qing Dynasty, 18th century

the tall compressed ovoid vase rising from a rocky base with a high-relief gnarled prunus tree trunk growing along one side, the branches with full bloom blossoms wrapping organically around the vase, fitted with a domed cover carved with an openwork prunus branch growing over the small knop, the translucent white stone with a tinge of celadon with russet skin on trunk, rocks and a small patch on the side, wood stand

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 31^st October, 1991, lot 446.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 29^th April 1997, lot 829.

Jade as Sculpture, Minnesota Museum of Art and Indianapolis Museum, 19 February - 26 March, 1975.

Jade as Sculpture, Minnesota Museum of Art, 1975, cat. no. 41.

The overall condition is quite good with some minor nicks to the edge of the petals and foot. The cover has 2mm bruise to the rim and a few minor nicks to the petals. The stone has a few russet veins incorporated into the carving and some white inclusions in the stone.
"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."

Jade vases decorated with prunus motif were popular during the Qianlong period.   However, it is extremely rare to find the impeccable combination of high-relief carving and openwork design in a single jade, well-carved with the prunus as the sole motif.

Compare two similar jade vases in the Place Museum Beijing, illustrated in Zhongguo Yuqi Quanji, vol.6, Shijiazhuang, 1991, cat. nos. 237 and 238.  A spinach jade prunus vase of similar size was sold in our London rooms 8^th November 2006, lot 374 and a slightly taller, flattened, white jade prunus vase was sold in our these rooms, 23^rd October 2005, lot 421.

Prunus, along with pine and bamboo, are known as sui han san you ('the Three Friends of Winter') as they retain their vitality in the colder months.  The prunus, in particular, is renowned for exuding an otherworldly exquisiteness and beautiful elegance during the desolation of winter, emitting a subtle fragrance at one of the coldest times of the year. Therefore, in addition to being a symbol of perseverance, the prunus also serves as a metaphor for inner beauty and humbleness.