- 331
A PALE CELADON ARCHAISTIC JADE FITTING QIANLONG PERIOD
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 USD
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Description
- Qianlong mark and period, 18th century
- Jade
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 to form an archaistic winged owl, the top carved with a frieze of archaistic scroll work, the base with six-character Qianlong fanggu mark possibly later added, the stone of even color, fastened to a gilt-metal stand
Condition
The base has been drilled and is visible in the catalogue illustration. There are scattered minute nicks and small chips to the edges. Otherwise, it is in good condition.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Examples of a similar jade fitting are known, including another 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. Another fitting 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.
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.