A LARGE CELADON JADE 'RUYI' VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of compressed form, the pear-shaped vase raised on a stepped foot, rising to a waisted neck flanked by a pair of openwork ruyi sceptre handles, above two vertical rows of ruyi-head flanges in openwork along the edges, each main side of the body further decorated in low relief with a pair of intersecting ruyi sceptres, tied together with sash below the heads, the fitted cover surmounted by a lobed knop centred with a yinyang symbol, the stone of a soft celadon tone with natural veins and inclusions

Lady Horlick Collection, England.

There are some tiny nibbles and bruises to the vase and cover, including a 0.3 cm bruise to the one flange. The overall condition is otherwise very 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."

This piece is unusual for the carving of two ruyi sceptres tied together with a sash and is reminiscent of vessels with the eye-catching design of a knotted cloth. The Yongzheng and Qianlong emperors enjoyed objects that contained elements of simulations of other materials. Jade vessels carved with cords resembling rope fastened around the body include one of hu form, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Chinese Jades Throughout the Ages, vol. 12, Hong Kong, 1997, pl. 38; and a water vessel, with a Qianlong reign mark and of the period, from the Water, Stone and Pine Retreat collection, sold in these rooms, 8^th October 2009, lot 1804.

Ruyi means 'as you wish' in Chinese and the ruyi sceptre is a talisman presented to bestow good fortune. The design of two sceptres bound with heads facing towards each other suggests that this may have been presented on the occasion of a wedding.