A RARE CELADON JADE TRIPOD EWER AND COVER MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

of globular form resting on three small conical feet, set with a loop handle and a phoenix head spout, deftly carved in low relief with scrolling lotus, the cover similarly decorated and surmounted by a bud finial, the smoothly polished stone of attractive mottled celadon colour 

There is some nibbling and minute occasional nicks to the edge of the mouth rim and interior rim of the cover. The tip end of the spout is slightly polished down. Otherwise the ewer is in good condition. The cover is of slightly different colour hue compared to the ewer but is made of the same stone. The actual colour is deeper celadon and less yellow compared to the illustration 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. 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 form of this ewer was inspired by archaic bronze tripod wine vessels, he, cast with a similar mythical beast-head spout and dragon-shaped handle; see one attributed to the late 6^th-early 5^th century BC, recovered from Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, M306, illustrated in Jenny F. So, Eastern Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, vol. 3, New York, 1995, p. 410, fig. 82.2. The carver of this piece has skilfully elongated the original globular form and added a scrolling motif, thus creating a contemporary yet elegant vessel suited to the taste of its time.

Ewers inspired by archaic bronze he grew in popularity during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912). See one from the collection of Gerry P. Mack, sold in our New York rooms, 1th June 1993, lot 49; and another with a phoenix-shaped handle and elongated feet, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Museum’s exhibition The Refined Taste of the Emperor. Special Exhibition of Archaic and Pictorial Jades of the Ch’ing Court, Taipei, 1997, cat. no. 19.