A CELADON JADE ARCHAISTIC 'CHAMPION' CUP QING DYNASTY

in the form of two conjoined tubular receptacles, well-carved around the sides with bands of archaistic kuilong against a leiwen ground beneath bands of key-fret and raised bosses, a recumbent beast emerging between their bases, its head projecting from the bottom and supporting an archaistic bird standing with a mock loose ring suspended from its mouth, the reverse with a strap handle surmounted by a chicken head set with a stylized squirrel, the cover of conforming shape with key-fret incised flared ring finials joined by a chilong, the stone of even pale celadon green color with russet mottling used to highlight the decoration, wood stand (3)

The head of the chilong on the cover is missing, and there are a number of minute nicks around the edges. The russet coloring appears to be added.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This type of vessel is often called a 'champion' cup, which is a pun on names of the two main creatures that often appear on it. The word for hawk is ying and bear is xiong. These words combine to form the phrase yingxiong (champion). In the present lot, the two creatures have been given an archaizing treatment. This type of vessel is also known as a he jing bei (nuptial cup), as it is believed that it was used as a ritual wine vessel in wedding ceremonies during the Ming dynasty.

A larger cup of this type in spinach jade inscribed with a Qianlong fanggu mark in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1996, pp. 184-5, no. 151.  An exceptional example from the Qianlong period was sold in these rooms, 19th March 2007, lot 20; another example from the Qianlong period in spinach jade, sold in the same sale, lot 61.