A WHITE RUSSET-FLECKED JADE VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the flattened baluster vase carved with elephant head handles and five luohan standing and seated amongst pierced rockwork and on rocky outcrops amongst swirling clouds and above breaking waves, the domed cover carved with a dragon finial, the animal clutching a flaming pearl

Collection of Gerald Godfrey.

Bonhams London, 10th September 2002, lot 3.

This is in good condition, but the cover does have a couple of small chips to the inside rim. There is a slight flaw running vertically to the left side of the back of the vase (2cm) and one (6cm) to the centre of the front side beside the swirling clouds. The vase is a little bit greener 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 dexterity of the carver is evident in the various textures and forms that have been recreated, from the sculptural rockwork to the intricately modelled figures, elephant handles, and sinuous dragon that surmounts that finial. Moreover the carver has skilfully incorporated the russet inclusions of the stone into the overall composition to heighten the aesthetic effect.

Compare a vase carved in a similar style with elephant-head handles and an animal finial, surrounded by three goats amongst rockwork and lingzhi modelled in the round, sold at Christie's London, 8th June 1992, lot 165; and a smaller vase with archaistic scroll handles, depicting an Immortal and attendant together with two Buddhist lions, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1st May 1995, lot 784; and another carved with a prunus tree issuing from rockwork and a fo-dog forming the finial of the cover, sold in our New York rooms, 11th/12th April 1990, lot 341.

The figures each hold auspicious emblems, including the wealth-bringing string of coins, the double gourd which is symbolic of fertility, blessings and good fortune, and the lotus leaf which is representative of longevity.