A FINE WHITE JADE VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY

of flattened baluster form with angular shoulders, the plain sides raised upon a tall stepped foot, the waisted neck flanked by a pair of qilin headed handles suspending loose-rings below the lipped mouthrim, the cover further carved with a striding dragon, the stone of an even white tone (2)

In good overall condition. The tip of one of the bifurcated tail of the dragon on the cover is chipped and has been polished down. The actual color of the piece is slightly darker than shown 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

While carved figural knops are not unusual, the present dragon-form finial is noteworthy.  The dragon rising over the waves is an allusion to the transformative nature of the mythological beast. The legendary parable is of the persistent carp which swims against the currents to surmount the formidable falls and leaps through the Longmen gates to become a dragon.  The story of perseverance and success against adversity is one most frequently associated with the trials of the scholar as they struggle to pass examinations.  The intricacy and fine carving of the powerful dragon-form finial and handles contrast effectively with the smooth, even surface of the fine white jade.

A pair of related white jade vases with similar knops and handles but elaborately carved are illustrated in J.J. Schedel, The Splendor of Jade Four Thousand Years of the Art of Jade Carving, New York, 1974, pl. 33. Compare a white jade vase and cover of similar size and with the same dragon handles in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Jadeware (III)-The Complete Collection of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 65. See also an example in white jade with related dragon-form finial and handles but with carved decoration with Qianlong mark illustrated in Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, no. 137.