Rince-pinceaux et cuillère en jade blanc Chine, dynastie Qing, marque et époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

le jade translucide sculpté en forme d'une pêche de longévité nervurée sur sa fine tige sinueuse, le pied en forme de fleur épanouie, marque horizontale à quatre caractères à la base, la cuillère au manche tressé (2)

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

Apart from a tiny 0.4 cm bruise to the tail of the bird, the overall condition of the washer is very good. The stone is only slightly tinged to pale yellow with little inclusions.
"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."

Impeccably carved from a luminous white jade stone, this charming washer has been ergonomically designed to fit perfectly in the palm of the hand and the delicately pointed tip of the peach and bird and branch handle provide functional as well as decorative functions. Robert Kleiner notes, in Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, p. 110, that the sculptural quality of these peach-form vessels increases the link between nature and utilitarian scholars' objects; a link that was not only sought after by the literati but was one of the aims of the Qing jade carver. Compare related unmarked examples, such as one sold at Christie's London, 11th December 1989, lot 300; and another, but lacking the bird, sold in our New York rooms, 1st June 1993, lot 50.