A WHITE JADE BRUSHWASHER XINGYOUHENG TANG MARK, QING DYNASTY, FIRST HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY

of compressed globular form, the translucent stone of an even white tone with subtle mutton-fat mottling and a fine polish, the washer superbly carved with shallow rounded sides rising to an inverted rim, supported on a splayed circular foot conceived separately and inset to the bowl, the base inscribed with the four-character mark of the Hall of Constancy

Collection of Zaiquan (Fifth Prince Ding), prior to 1854.
Collection of Water, Pine and Stone Retreat (circa 1990).
Christie's Hong Kong, 29th April 2002, lot 688.

Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 110.

Good condition with the exception of a minute nick outside the footrim. 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."

The Xingyouheng Tang ('Hall of Constancy') four-character mark on the base identifies this washer as having belonged to the Fifth Prince Ding, Zaiquan of the late Qing dynasty. Xingyouheng Tang was the prince's main residence in the Forbidden City. Zaiquan was the great-great-grandson of the Qianlong Emperor and had a distinguished career in the service of the court until his death in 1854. The prince was a keen art collector and appears to have made it a habit to have his hall mark inscribed on his artefacts. For a brief biography of the prince see Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Hong Kong, 1986, p. 138, where the authors illustrate a carved gourd piece inscribed with the Xingyouheng Tang mark, pl. 108. Another gourd vase bearing the same mark was sold in these rooms, 8th October 2010, lot 2233. Compare also a white jade figure of a seated sage with the same mark engraved in a square seal on its back, illustrated in Guyu jingying ('The Art of Jade Carving in Ancient China'), Taipei, 1989, pl. 187.

The present washer is unusual for its sectional construction; a method that was possibly used to conserve the material.  In this case, the two pieces have been fitted with great skill and perfection. See a pale celadon jade washer of similar size and rounded shallow form, with a flat base and well-defined footring, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27th April 1997, lot 523.