A VERY FINE SMALL WHITE JADE TRIPOD CENSER AND COVER QING DYNASTY

the compressed globular body rising from three short cabriole legs to a broad flanged rim, set to the shoulder with a pair of pierced lingzhi root handles suspending loose rings, the domed cover surmounted by a pair of Buddhist high-relief lions playing with a brocade ball, the well polished opaque stone of even white tone

With the exception of very minor nibbles to the shoulder to the right of one handle, this censer is in excellent condition. Please note that the jade 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 censer is exceptional for the superb quality of the material which is of a flawless and even white colouration. No similar example appears to have been recorded, however in its form and style of carving a related example is illustrated in S. Howard Hansford, Jade – Essence of Hills and Streams, Johannesburg, 1969, p. 141, no. D33, and was sold at Christie's London, 12^th May 2009, lot 69.

The jade employed for the present censer most probably came from the jade-rich territories of Khotan and Yarkand, an area opened after the Qing army's conquest of the north-western territories. Jade imported from this Central Asian region was of the highest quality, thus allowing carvers in the Palace to produce wares of the purest and brightest white colouration. Further examples of white jade censers of similar tripod form with a plain body and carved handles and knop, include two sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27^th May 2008, lot 19, and the other, 27^th April 1997, lot 3; and another, but with four ring handles, from the Su Lin An collection sold in these rooms, 31^st October 1995, lot 331.

The carved decoration endows the present censer with auspicious meaning. The two lions on the cover illustrate the pun taishi shaoshi, expressing the wish that one and one's descendants will achieve high rank, while the handles carved with lingzhi, or the 'fungus of immortality', symbolises longevity.