A FINE MUGHAL-STYLE SPINACH JADE ZHADOU MARK AND PERIOD OF JIAQING

the compressed globular body set with a waisted trumpet neck, the exterior alternately decorated in low relief with hibiscus flowers and floral lappets, all below an apron of pendent petals, the neck similarly decorated with peonies borne on leafy stems, the countersunk base incised with a four-character reign mark, the stone of a deep green tone mottled with darker natural inclusions

The overall condition of the zhadou is excellent, except for some minute nibblings to the mouthrim.
"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."

While Jiaqing mark and period jade zhadou are rare, the present piece is exceptionally rare for its alternating design of floral panels and hibiscus flowers. In form this vase derives from spittoon vessels which appeared from the Tang dynasty (619-907), while the decoration appears to have been inspired by Mughal jades from Hindustan. Originally brought to the Qing court under the Qianlong emperor, Mughal jades were subsequently copied by Chinese craftsmen who adapted elements and forms into their own jade working repertoire. Designs of plants extending up from the base in low relief as seen on the present vase is one of the characteristics of Mughal jade; compare a vase with a globular body and tall flaring neck, and decorated with alternating plant motifs, included in the Special Exhibition of Hindustan Jade in the National Palace Museum, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1983, cat. no. 49.

For a white jade zhadou carved with archaistic bands and inscribed with a Jiaqing yuyao mark, see one in the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 195; and an undecorated example sold in these rooms, 8^th October 2009, lot 1710; and another with a Qianlong reign mark incised to the base sold at Christie's London, 11^th May 2010, lot 159.