A RARE AND UNUSUAL PALE CELADON ARCHAISTIC JADE FITTING QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

the fitting comprised of two hollowed out rectangular sections rounded at one end, secured by a stone pin, to pivot and extend to a straight line with a central slat which if filled would lock the mechanism in place, similarly carved on two sides two form an archaistic winged owl, the top carved with a frieze of archaistic scroll work, the stone of even color with a single cloudy pale russet inclusion

Mr. Len Botowksi, acquired in Miami, Florida, circa 1985. 

The tip of the central section of the base is replaced on one side. There is a chip to the rounded edge. The pins are most likely later replacements. There are some minor nicks consistent with age and use.
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.

Examples of a similar jade fitting are known, including a Qianlong period white jade example in the Palace Museum Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, no. 54, which is described as a flower holder. Another in the Tianjin Museum is illustrated by Bai Wenyuan, ed., Tianjin Museum, London, 2012, pl. 43, also an example in green jade in the Victoria and Albert Museum, illustrated in Ming Wilson, Chinese Jades, London, 2004, nos. 104 and 106. A similar example but with a Qianlong reign mark was sold at Bonhams London, 15th May 2014, lot 182.  Another related fitting was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 22nd May 1985, lot 318.

The origins and function of these fittings remain mysterious. What may well be the inspiration for the jade fittings is found in the Catalogue of Xiqing Antiquities, the illustrated catalogue of ancient bronzes in the Imperial Collection, completed in 1751. Wilson comments on this in his book Chinese Jades, London, 2004, p. 107, noting that even the 18th century cataloguers could not identify the bronze other than as a 'Han dynasty ornament' and to state that the two tubes are movable.

It has been posited that the fitting may have been part of a measuring device. A Qianlong white jade example with an inscription is illustrated by Roger Keverne and Michael Gillingham, Chinese Works of Art: Traditions of Collecting, London, 1997,  pp.48-9, no. 66 where the author's discuss the inscription as a metaphor for the importance of precision when measuring or ruling.