A FINE SPINACH JADE CENSER AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

the rectangular body with projecting tubular corners each terminating in short waisted foot, finely carved around the exterior with an archaistic band of interlocking snakes above shou characters and archaistic strapwork, set to either end with a taotie mask handle suspending a loose ring, the similarly shaped cover surmounted by a large reticulated coiled dragon finial, the stone of apple-green tone with dark flecks

This censer is in very good condition with the exception of visible restoration to a handle, from the mask to two-thirds down the handle, which appears to have been a clean break; a 5mm flake to the inner rim of the cover; and minute nibbles to the rims of the cover and censer.
"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."

Censers of this form were popular in the Qing courts, particularly during the reigns of the Yongzheng and Qianlong emperors. See a very similar spinach-green jade censer in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Zhongguo yuqi quanji, vol. 6, Shijiazhuang, 1993, pl. 89; one in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Masterworks of Chinese Jade in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1969, pl. 42; another illustrated in Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades form the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 74; and a fourth censer, from the Concordia House Collection, sold in our New York rooms, 19^th March 2007, lot 16.

Compare also a white jade vessel of this type in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware III, Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 156; and two vessels in the Avery Brundage collection, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, published in Rene-Yvon Lefebvre d'Argence, Chinese Jades in the Avery Brundage Collection, San Francisco, 1977, pl. LV.