A FINE ARCHAISTIC WHITE JADE BOTTLE VASE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the flattened ovoid body finely carved from a even white stone, the waist carved in low-relief with a wide band of taotie masks interrupted by ruyi-heads, all above pendent lappets and a raised straight foot, the plain tall tapering neck surmounted by a stepped lip, carved wood stand

Christie's Hong Kong, 3rd November 1996, lot 953

There is a small 4mm bruise to the centre of the carving on one of the sides. The mouthrim may have been slightly polished down. However the overall condition is very good and the stone especially white and a lot brighter than in the catalogue illustration.
"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."

The luminous and even tone of the stone of the present piece is outstanding and is further accentuated by the low-relief carving that has been restricted to the lower half of the vase. In the subtle curves of the form, the craftsman has successfully captured the stone's innate beauty and nobility; a vase of this size and closely-related form, carved with leaf lappets around the neck and archaistic motifs on the body, formerly in the R. Norris  Shreve collection, was sold in our New York rooms, 31^st May 1994, lot 24; and a slightly smaller example also sold in our New York rooms, 18^th October 1990, lot 342.

Compare also a vase of slightly shouldered elongated ovoid form, decorated with a lotus scroll band in low-relief, sold at Christie's London, 12^th November 2002, lot 49; and another of similar form, but flanked by tubular handles and carved with taotie masks below a lappet collar and cicada motifs at the neck, sold at Christie's London, 9^th June 1997, lot 231.