Grand vase archaïsant en Jade vert sombre sculpté Chine, dynastie Qing, marque et époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

de forme balustre aplatie avec deux anses en têtes d'éléphants supportant des anneaux mobiles, décoré en bas-relief de masques de Taotie sur un fond incisé de motifs en méandres huiwen, une frise de cartouches formels autour du col et cartouches ruyi inversés au dessus du pied, marque incisée Da Qing Qianlong fang gu, "fait d'après l'antique sous le règne de l'Empereur Qianlong", à la base

An important natural flaw on the reverse side of the vase ; the foot rim has been ground down on 4.5cm long ; minor tiny dents on the rim ; the actual color is slightly greener than on the catlogue illustration.
"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 vase was inspired by the archaic bronze hu and represents a significant stylistic development in eighteenth century jade carving called fanggu (imitating antiquity). Imperial records of the Qianlong period note that the emperor urged the jade carving workshop in the Forbidden City to follow the styles and specifications recorded in the ancient catalogues.

Compare a mottled jade vase of similar baluster form and similarly carved central taotie band, but with ringed mask head handles and of slightly wider proportions, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the exhibition The Refined Taste of the Emperor: Special Exhibition of Archaic and Pictorial Jades of the Ch'ing Court, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1997, cat. no. 5; and a green jade example of oval section, but with the main taotie band between additional bands of zoomorphic animals, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, published in Chinese Jades Throughout the Ages, vol. 12, Hong Kong, 1998, pl. 47.
A related example of an archaistic jade "Hu" vase was sold in our Kong Kong rooms, 23 October 2005, lot 444.