A FINE AND RARE WHITE AND RUSSET JADE ARCHAISTIC FLAT-BACKED VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the slender semi-circular vase decorated with a band of studded bosses below the shoulder and short neck, supported on the neck of a goose with its head tucked along the side of the vase, set opposite a curved handle emerging from the mouth of a beast, the flat reverse side carved in low relief with a gnarled pine tree with twisted branches and entwined vines, the stone of a white milky tone with natural russet inclusions to the backside, fitted jade cover

Acquired in Paris between the 1970s and the early 90s.

The overall condition is very good, with the exception of a few very minor nibbles, including a 3 mm shallow indentation to the cover. The white stone has some natural russet inclusions and is slightly tinged with celadon. The actual color 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."

Vessels in the form of birds are known in China from as early as the Neolithic period, as seen in a red-pottery bird-shaped jar from the Qijia culture (c. 2050-1700 BC), unearthed in Guanghe county, Gansu province, in the Muwen Tang collection, illustrated in Simon Kwan, Chinese Neolithic Pottery, Hong Kong, 2005, pl. 90. This design continued to be adopted and adapted in accordance to the style and developments of the times that the pieces were produced.

The carver of the present piece has cleverly made use of a long flat piece of jade by selecting a subject that would perfectly suit the shape of the stone so as to waste as little of the precious material as possible. The neck of the bird curves up to create a stable base for the vase while the rounded body perfectly suits the gentle swell of that of the bird. Moreover, the russet skin of the stone has been retained on the reverse that serves to highlight the unique contrast between subject, texture and colour.

For a similarly conceived vase and cover see one carved in the form of a phoenix, its crested neck turned to one side and wings carved on the other side, sold in our London rooms, 11th July 1967, lot 19.