- 408
A FINELY CARVED WHITE JADE VESSEL (ZUN) QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD
Estimate
350,000 - 450,000 USD
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Description
- jade
the compressed bulbous body surmounted by a flaring neck and wide flange, the inner rim of the mouth carved with an overhanging lip, all raised on a low pedestal foot, the exterior carved with alternating raised and incised ridges, the neck flanked by opposing mythical beasts handles suspending loose-rings, the translucent stone of an even color with a refined polish
Provenance
Collected in China prior to 1949 and thence by descent.
Condition
The vessel is in overall good condition. There is a stained fissure line on one side of the body that is approx. 3 in. (7.5 cm). There are minor scratches to the foot rim, and the color of the jade vessel is closer to the main image illustrated in the catalogue, and not the detail.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The Qianlong Emperor was a great connoisseur and collector of art and antiques, well-known for his love of archaism. Under his direction, many cloisonné, ceramic and jade vessels inspired by archaic forms were made for his enjoyment.
The shape of the present vessel takes its inspiration from the ancient bronze vessel known as a zun. Zun were ritual wine vessels used beginning in the Shang dynasty. As a ritual container, its function was to provide offerings of wine to the deceased through ceremonial practices. An example of a Late Shang / Early Western Zhou zun was sold in these rooms, 11th and 12th September 2012, lot 159. Another archaistic element on the present lot is the decoration on the handles, which take the form of taotie masks, a motif commonly found on ritual bronze vessels from the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The addition of the alternating raised ribs and incised lines give the present lot an air of refinement and elegance, allowing the beauty of the jade to show through and making it a perfect blend of archaism and innovation, resembling an open blossom when viewed from above.
The present lot has a similar profile to a mid-Qing dynasty white jade vase in the collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated by Yang Boda, Zhongguo yuqi quanji, Beijing, Vol. II, p. 578, fig. 154.
The shape of the present vessel takes its inspiration from the ancient bronze vessel known as a zun. Zun were ritual wine vessels used beginning in the Shang dynasty. As a ritual container, its function was to provide offerings of wine to the deceased through ceremonial practices. An example of a Late Shang / Early Western Zhou zun was sold in these rooms, 11th and 12th September 2012, lot 159. Another archaistic element on the present lot is the decoration on the handles, which take the form of taotie masks, a motif commonly found on ritual bronze vessels from the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The addition of the alternating raised ribs and incised lines give the present lot an air of refinement and elegance, allowing the beauty of the jade to show through and making it a perfect blend of archaism and innovation, resembling an open blossom when viewed from above.
The present lot has a similar profile to a mid-Qing dynasty white jade vase in the collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated by Yang Boda, Zhongguo yuqi quanji, Beijing, Vol. II, p. 578, fig. 154.