A SMALL SQUARE JADE CUP WITH DRAGON HANDLES QING DYNASTY, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

the straight slightly flaring sides supported on a small square foot, flanked by two rectangular handles surmounted by crouching dragons exquisitely carved in openwork, standing foursquare with a curling tail switched back along their spine, their heads raised in a valiant posture, the two main sides centred in low relief with a shou symbol wreathed by a pair of confronting kui dragons, the smoothly polished stone of a pale celadon tone with brown streaks and attractive patches of russet skin, on a fitted zitan stand carved with a recessed kui dragon, the cantred zitan cover picked out with angular archaistic scrolls and a seated carnelian qilin knob clutching in its mouth a white lingzhi

The overall condition is very good without apparent nicks or bruises. The cover has a minor nick to the inner edge, and the carnelian knob is streaked with a thin natural white vein. The stand has some scratches but is in overall very good condition.
"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."

Jade cups of this type, flanked with handles with small hooks at the bottom of each, were produced from the Song period and continued to be developed according to the taste of the time of manufacture. The present cup is notable for the ornately stylised handles that have been skilfully carved with crouching dragons. The naturalism of the dragons that have been modelled in the round provides an interesting contrast with the angular archaistic design of the handles and relief carving on the vessel.

Compare a smaller octagonal cup of this type carved from white jade, but with deer surmounting the handles and the body left undecorated, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware III, Hong Kong, 1985, pl. 205; another with dragon handles, from the Sonneborn collection, sold in these rooms 18th May 1989, lot 706; and a slightly larger plain example of square section with dragon handles, sold at Christie's London, 6th June 1983, lot 1.