A PAIR OF CARVED AND RETICULATED CELADON JADE PARFUMIERS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each of rectangular square section, finely carved and pierced with Immortals and their attendants ascending a rocky mountain path past trees and waterfalls towards a retreat, the base and top pierced with a central square aperture and carved with ruyi-shaped clouds, the well-polished stone of pale celadon tone with light caramel inclusions

Spink & Son, London, circa 1970.
Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman
Christie's Hong Kong, 28th November 2006, lot 1363.

Christie's New York, 13th-26th March 2001.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, August 2003 - December 2004.

Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, no. 98. 

There is a chip to the cloud and the arching tree on one of the parfumiers. Apart from some minute nibbles and bruises, the overall condition of the pair is quite good.
"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."

Jade parfumiers were used to help dispel unpleasant odors. Incense or perfume sticks were stuck inside the container through one of the removable plugs at the ends and the fragrance or smoke would be released through the openwork design.  Compare a similar pair carved with figures in a landscape in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jades. vol. 2,  Shanghai, 2008, no. 34, and included in the exhibition, China: The Three Emperors, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2005, cat. no. 227.