A WHITE JADE 'PEONY AND PHOENIX' VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of flattened baluster form with a domed cover and an hollow flaring knob, the rounded square sides rising from a splayed foot to a waisted neck flanked with angular 'S'-scrolls, finely decorated around the body with a band of petal lappets at the shoulder and the base and wreathed in openwork by two flowering peony trees issuing from cragged rockwork, a phoenix standing on a rocky pedestal on one side, clutching a branch of peaches in its beak, the smoothly polished stone of an even greenish-white colour with a few white streaks inclusions  

The Jade-carving Art in the Ch'ing Dynasty, National Museum of History, Taipei, 1990, p. 99.

The overall condition is quite good. The knob is carved spearately and attached to the cover. There is a 7 mm chip to on flower petal, a small nick and minor nibbling around the mouth rim and a minute nick to the tip of phoenix's crest which has been slightly polished down. There are two areas of nibbles (3 and 4 mm) on the edge of one handle. The actual colour is slightly more tinged wth celadon than 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 subject of a phoenix amongst peony branches perfectly suits the lustrous jade stone from which the present piece has been carved. Peonies are symbolic of eternal beauty, longevity and happiness, while the phoenix is representative of prosperity, peace and good government. Such auspicious meanings are gently reflected in this luminous jade stone, areas of which have been left uncarved to display the quality of the stone as well as to provide an aesthetic contrast with the delicately modelled flowers.

A vase of related form, but carved with a dragon and phoenix amongst lingzhi, was sold in our London rooms, 8th November 2006, lot 78; and another, decorated with cranes carrying precious objects, was sold in these rooms, 19th November 1985, lot 106.