A LARGE SPINACH JADE MARRIAGE BOWL QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the deep rounded sides well carved with the bajixiang amidst leafy scrolling lotus, set at the rim with a large pair of pierced butterfly and chrysanthemum handles suspending loose rings, the interior naturalistically carved with a medallion of leafy lingzhi and floral sprays beneath a pair of butterflies in flight, all supported on five short bracket feet, the stone of mottled dark green tone with pale green and black inclusions

This bowl is in good condition, but has a 4cm flaw running diagonally from the rim and another one 11cm running adjacent to this one from the rim to the base. There is an 8.5cm x 3cm area of whitish colour to the lower side of the exterior and to the interior and three other smaller areas to the other side.
"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."

Large 'marriage' bowls of this material and form typically bear symbols relating to marital bliss and blessing, such as the double butterflies and lingzhi fungus on the present piece. A related example was sold in our New York rooms, 17^th April 1985, lot 242; and another, but carved to the interior with melons and the exterior with lotus scrolls, was sold in our New York rooms, 23^rd March 2004, lot 519; and a third example carved with a hibiscus scroll on the exterior and a medallion of a peony spray and lingzhi fungus on the interior, was sold in these rooms, 27^th June 1974, lot 67.