A FINE JADE MARRIAGE BOWL QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

skilfully carved from an even pale celadon tone stone with splashes of russet, the compressed globular body carved in low relief with a wide bande of stylized taotie masks rising to a stepped lipped rim, flanked by two loose ring handles suspended from two deers each grasping a lingi fungus atop scrolling clouds, all set on three short splayed legs issuing from leonine masks

The bowl may have had a cover that is now missing. Apart from a minute nick on the rim, the overall condition is very good. A few of the russet blushes are dyed and some are natural.
"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."

Marriage bowls, sometimes referred to as water basins or brushwashers, were popular vessels during the Qing period. They are often carved and decorated with a variety of auspicious motifs which offer blessings and good wishes upon a marital union. In the case of the present piece, the two handles in the form of deer with lingzhi are symbolic of longevity, as the deer is the only animal capable of finding this fungus of immortality.

Due to the large number of traditional auspicious motifs which may be used in the decoration of such bowls, accordingly there is a wide variety among marriage bowls. A bowl decorated with archaistic kui-dragons and large butterfly handles, from the collection of T.B. Kitson, was sold in our London rooms, 30^th May 1961, lot 441, and again at Christie's London, 12^th May 2009, lot 113; and another carved with shuangxi characters, lotus blossoms and supported on ruyi-feet, in the collection of the Lady Lever Art Gallery, is illustrated in Stanley Charles Nott, Chinese Jade throughout the Ages, Tokyo, 1962, pl. CXXVIII. Compare also a censer of similar form, also decorated with taotie masks above lion-head feet and with ringed dragon-head handles, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27^th May 2008 lot 1951.