Lot 1816
  • 1816

AN OUTSTANDING APPLE-GREEN JADEITE ARCHAISTIC VESSEL AND COVER LATE QING DYNASTY / EARLY REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Estimate
8,000,000 - 12,000,000 HKD
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Description

THIS IS A PREMIUM LOT. CLIENTS WHO WISH TO BID ON PREMIUM LOTS ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE THE PREMIUM LOT PRE-REGISTRATION 3 WORKING DAYS PRIOR TO THE SALE.

finely carved, modelled after the archaic bronze fang ding form, the rectangular-sectioned vessel supported on four animal-mask feet, the sides densely decorated with archaistic taotie masks in low-relief between plain recessed bands, the lipped rim set with a pair of inverted U-shaped handles in openwork, the fitted cover similarly carved with taotie masks, surmounted by an openwork Buddhist lion and cub finial, the glassy translucent stone of varying tones of bright green with light brown veins and inclusions

Provenance

Jingguantang Collection.
Christie's Hong Kong, 3rd November 1996, lot 602.

Condition

The overall condition is very good. The actual colour is slightly a bit deeper and a little bit more yellow in certain areas than in the catalogue illustration. The carving is very crisp and the finish is lustrous.
"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 impressive present piece belongs to an exclusive group of jadeite censers that are carved from exceptionally high-quality stone, which has been cleverly analysed to incorporate the various tones of 'apple-green' into the overall form. Inspired by the archaic bronze vessel, the fang ding which is exquisitely synthesised with the novel material, an elegant balance between the colour of the jadeite and ornamental carvings has been achieved. Compare a related example, but carved from a light green stone, from the Huntington Library Art Gallery, San Marino, sold at Christie's New York, 23rd September 1988, lot 250.

Further examples of similar form and decoration include a large fang ding of mottled white and pale green tone, decorated in low-relief with taotie masks and with tall legs, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30th October 1995, lot 1273; and another carved with taotie masks and side dragon-head handles, from the Doris Duke collection, sold at Christie's New York, 21st September 2004, lot 116, and again at Christie's Hong Kong, 3rd December 2008, lot 2254. See also a fang ding carved with archaistic dragons and side handles, sold in these rooms, 14th November 1983, lot 359.

Jadeite ranks amongst the rarest and most precious materials used during the eighteenth century and was highly prized by the Empress Dowager Cixi to thus become synonymous with status and sophistication in the nineteenth century. Although regular supplies of the stone did not occur until the hostile relations between China and Myanmar stabilised in 1784, late in the Qianlong emperor's reign, it quickly garnered his attention and admiration. Due to the hardness and unusual colouration of the stone combined with the limitations presented by the existing carving tools and techniques, jadeite presented a new challenge for the Palace craftsmen to master. Earlier examples are often found with uneven glassy polish and cruder detailing as the abrasives and tools used to carve nephrite were not suitable on jadeite. However, these difficulties were remarkably quickly overcome and impressive works of art such as the current example were produced.