A RARE WHITE JADE HANDLED CUP FANGGU MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

delicately carved with deep rounded sides rising from a slightly splayed foot to an everted rim, the sides flanked by a pair of openwork handles detailed with various lingzhi blooms, the exterior decorated with a continuous scene depicting four deer in a setting laden with verdant vegetation and rockwork, one side carved with a deer grasping a lingzhi stem in its mouth whilst looking at its young, the reverse similarly decorated with two further deer, all below a key-fret border encircling the rim, the base with a six-character fanggu reign mark, the stone of a pale greenish-white colour with faint russet inclusions, wood stand

Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 22nd May 1984, lot 219.

In overall good condition. Minute nicks to the extremities as can be expected. The catalogue illustration with a yellowish tone.
"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."

This cup belongs to a small group of imperial vessels made during Qianlong’s reign which bear either a four- or six-character mark designating them as having been inspired by ancient vessels. Such pieces are characterised by their exceptional craftsmanship and quality of the material. The present piece bears the six-character Qianlong fanggu mark ('Exemplifying Antiquity During the Qianlong Reign') and appears to have been inspired by a Song prototype which would have formed part of the Palace’s vast collection; see a Song two-handled octagonal cup, similarly carved with deer, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Chinese Art. Jade, vol. 9, Beijing, 1991, pl. 260.