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A FINE WHITE JADE 'DOUBLE-GOURD' WATER POT QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD
Estimate
70,000 - 90,000 GBP
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Description
- jade
the well hollowed and naturalistically carved and pierced fruit born on a long leafy gnarled stem issuing smaller fruit, curling around the sides and under the vessel to form a stand, the top and underside with a bat in flight, the stone of very pale celadon-white tone, naturalistically carved wood stand
Condition
The waterpot is in very good condition with the exception of the loss to the tip of one leaff on the underside (approx 10 x 5mm).
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This waterpot is notable for the elegantly carved details of the branches and vines which provide an aesthetic contrast with the smooth polished surface of the double gourd. A related example in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Zhongguo yuqi quanji, vol. 6, Shijiazhuang, 1993, pl. 294; another from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, is published in Chinese Jades: Archaic and Modern, London, 1977, pl. 200; and a third example was sold at Christie's London, 4th November 2008, lot 12.
An emblem of the unity of heaven and earth and symbolic of fertility and abundance, due to their many seeds, the double-gourd motif was used extensively in the decorative arts of the 18th century. The presence of the two bats represents the wish for double blessings. Water vessels of this shape were also made in other mediums; for example see a rhinoceros horn carving illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 59.