A FINE MOTTLED GREEN JADE ARCHAISTIC GU-FORM VASE QIANLONG MARK AND PERIOD

of quatrelobed section, the central convex section with taotie masks carved in shallow relief, the tall flared neck with two lively chilong in high relief clambering up the sides amidst wispy clouds, all supported on a tall splayed hollow foot carved in low relief with further archaistic motifs, the green stone suffused with pale gray and white streaks and black flecks, incised four-character mark, wood stand (2)

Collection of Katherine Berwind to Margaret Berwind Cox in 1946 and thence by descent.

There are two short carved knotches just below the mouth rim. Overall the vase is in 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.
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.

The popularity of antiquarian taste that emerged in the Song dynasty through to the Qing dynasty is evident in this piece. Its form has been inspired by the archaic bronze ritual vessel, gu, while the taotie design on the body is a familiar motif that can be traced back to the Shang dynasty (16th century – c.1050 BC). However the craftsman has transformed the original, somewhat solemn, vessel into a more decorative vase; while the color of the jade is also reminiscent of its prototype. A softer form is achieved through the lobes and a sense of playfulness is created through the additional chilong that curve around the neck. Thus this vessel embodies a sense of contemporaneity while evoking the revered traditions of the past.

Compare a similarly lobed white jade vase carved with chilong crawling around the neck and taotie masks on the body, but of smaller size and decorated with cicada blades on the neck and foot, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in The Refined Taste of the Emperor. Special Exhibition of Archaic and Pictorial Jades of the Ch'ing Court, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1991, cat. no. 10. For fluted vases decorated in low relief with taotie masks on the body and cicada blades on the foot and neck, but lacking the chilong, see one, but flanked with elephant-head handles, in the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 134; another carved from white jade and without handles, formerly from the Major R.W. Cooper collection, sold twice at Christie's London and most recently sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1st December 2010, lot 3059; and another in the in the De An Tang collection, included in the exhibition, A Romance with Jade, Palace Museum, Beijing, 2004, cat. no. 126.