A RUSSET-FLECKED WHITE JADE RETICULATED INCENSE HOLDER QING DYNASTY, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

of square cylindrical form, carved and with open-work depicting scholars in a rocky path with a retreat in a mountainous landscape with pine trees, a crane and a deer, with hardwood caps to each end

Christie's London, 11th November 1999, lot 23.

This piece is in excellent condition with the exception of one tiny nick to the edge of rockwork near the top of the incense holder. Please note that the stone is of a more celadon colour than illustrated in the catalogue.
"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."

This incense holder is notable for the high relief carving which has been achieved through extensive undercutting. Its design and style of carving deliberately resembles that of incense burners and other scholarly accruements made of bamboo. A slightly smaller pair of incense burners of this form and figural decoration, but with jade ends, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Chinese Jades Throughout the Ages, vol. 11, Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 55; another pair, in the Alan and Simone Hartman collection, is published in Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 98; and one in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, is included in Ming Wilson, Chinese Jades, London, 2004, pl. 55. See also a taller pair, also with jade ends, sold at Christie's London, 12^th December 1988, lot 65.