A CARVED YELLOW JADE 'CHILONG' VASE QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of baluster form with a high shoulder and a short waisted neck, the gently rounded flared sides rising from an recessed oval base, carved in high relief around the body with three clambering chilong, the mythical beasts naturalistically rendered with a writhed body, powerful limbs and a long curling tail, skilfully planned to incorporate the natural veining of the stone, the warm greenish-yellow translucent stone with patches of russet skin and a smooth polish

There is a shallow nick to an ear of a chilong (1 mm), a few occasional nibbles along the edges but overall the condition is very good. The actual colour is quite close to 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."

A larger vase of this type, but of pear shape and carved with three chilong crawling across the body, was sold in our London rooms, 28th October 1983, lot 215; and a covered vase, was sold in our London rooms, 5th June 1981, lot 14.

The playfulness of the chilong decorating this vase is accentuated through the clever use of the skin and natural inclusions which have mainly been reserved to the creatures and mouth of the vase, creating a sense of movement and dynamism suited to the subject.