A SMALL YELLOW JADE VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, KANGXI / YONGZHENG PERIOD

the pear-shaped body rising from a splayed foot to a waisted neck and flared mouthrim, the neck flanked by a pair of openwork handles carved in the form of kui dragons, a slender protruding band encircling the body above incisions of subtle swirls along the lower body, the vessel integrally carved with Sun Wukong standing with one foot propped on the foot of the vase, dressed in a long cape and adorned with a headring on one side and a Buddhist lion on the other, the cover surmounted by a finial in the form of a recumbent mythical beast, its tail detailed with fine incisions, the stone of an even yellow colour mottled with faint russet inclusions

There are minute nicks to the mouthrim, foot and interior of the cover and other minor surface wear throughout, especially to the extremities. The colour is a a richer, more attractive yellow than in the catalogue photo.
"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 charming vase is notable for the figure of Sun Wukong who stands to the right with one foot propped on the foot of the vase as though playfully engaging with the Buddhist lion that peeks around from the left. One of the main characters in the popular 16th century novel Journey to the West (Xi you ji), it is unusual to find him on jade vessels.

A similar vase of this type, flanked by a meiren and Buddhist lions, was sold in these rooms, 7th May 2002, lot 610. Compare also a white jade vase flanked by a boy and deer, illustrated in Tianjin shi yishu bowuguan cang yu [Tianjin City Art Museum], Beijing, 1984, cat. no. 212.