A FINE AND LARGE PALE CELADON JADE VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of rectangular section, the body of slightly tapered form rising from a low splayed foot, the sides finely carved in low-relief with a central hibiscus flower within intricately formed leafy panels below a pair of shuang xi ('double happiness') characters on the waisted neck set with a pair of elaborately carved dragon-mask handles suspending loose rings, the domed cover similarly decorated with a finely carved leafy design below a pointed knob finial, the stone translucent and of even white tone with a tinge of pale celadon (2)

A Midwest Institution.
R. Norris Shreve Collection.
Sotheby's New York, 31st May and 1st June 1994, lot 52.

Overall good condition. There are several tiny frits to the exterior and interior rim of the vase. There is a pinhead chip to the underside edge of the rim of the cover. There is a slightly paler vein running through the stone which has been incorportated into the carving on one side (just visible in the catalogue illustration). On the other side of the stone there is a small area of chalky calcification on the foot and lower part of the 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.
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.

The floral elements on this vase evoke the elaborate and complex designs found on Indian Mughal jades which were popular at the Qing court particularly during the reign of the Qianlong emperor when they first reached the court as items of trade or tribute. Revered by the emperor for their color, extreme thinness and designs, many jade pieces of this period embrace design elements associated with Mughal jades, such as the hibiscus flower and the wispy tendrils of the surrounding foliate frame on this vase, and combine them with Chinese elements such as the shuang xi characters. Compare a vase of similar color, shape and design sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30th October 2001, lot 712.