A PALE GREEN JADE ARCHAISTIC VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

the flattened ovoid body rising from a stepped foot to a waisted neck, flanked by a pair of dragon mask handles issuing loops suspending loose rings, both faces carved with stylised taotie masks between archaistic geometric scroll bands, the neck with pendent cicada lappets, similarly decorated to the domed cover, the stone of a pale celadon tone

Collection of M. Le Baron Philippe de Noaille, France.
An Asian Private Collection.

There are several shallow chips to the foot (the largest measuring approx. 0.6x0.2cm), and nibbling along the rims. The rim has a circa 2cm vein running along it, with associated flakes. The stone of a slightly greyer tone compared to the catalogue illustration.
"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 taste for archaism during the Qing Dynasty is embodied in this vase, which draws its inspiration from archaic inlaid bronzes and reinterprets them. While the toatie band and cicada lappets featured on Chinese bronzes from the Neolithic period, they have been been stylised and placed on a vessel of modern silhouette and ringed dragon handles.

 

Related examples include a celadon jade vase sold in our New York rooms, 12^th September 2012, lot 299; and two vases sold at Christie’s New York, one from the collection of Edgar and Hedwig Worch, 2^nd June 1994, lot 100, and the other of a greenish-white tone sold, 15^th September 2009, lot 129. Vases of this form are also known with elephant head handles, such as one sold in our Paris rooms, 15^th December 2011, lot 126, and another sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1^st to 3^rd May 1994, lot 835. Compare also a fine Qianlong mark and period vase of carved with in a similar fashion, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Yang Boda, Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages. Qing Dynasty, vol. 12, Chicago, 1997, pl. 30.