A RARE WHITE JADE CHRYSANTHEMUM-FORM MARRIAGE BOWL QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

set on four tab feet, the inside well carved as a large blossoming chrysanthemum flower with an array of slender radiating petals extending around the rounded well and furling over the rim, the exterior as a further layer of petals bordered at the base with a band of ruyi heads, set at the rim with handles in the shape of a large blossom flanked by two smaller blossoms suspending loose rings, the thick stone of a celadon-tinged white tone suffused with natural chalky inclusions

Christie’s London, 9th June 1997, lot 235.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 1st November 1999, lot 563.

In overall good condition with just minute nicks to the extremities and the underside. The colour has been accurately captured 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 marriage bowl is notable for its delicate carving and exquisitely finished surface, which highlights the translucent white jade stone. Jade vessels fashioned in the form of chrysanthemum flowers are a Qianlong innovation that may derive from Song Dynasty (960-1279) lacquer prototypes.  Vessels of this type were produced in large numbers during the Qianlong period due to the newfound access to large and exceptional quality jade boulders from the Khotan region.

A slightly smaller marriage bowl of this form, but fashioned with a petal-shape foot, was sold in these rooms, 22nd November 1985, lot 545; and another was sold in our New York rooms, 27th February 1981, lot 408. Compare also marriage bowls of this form, but with a straight or incurved rim, such as one illustrated in Pierre F. Schneeberger, The Baur Collection, Geneva. Chinese Jades and Other Hardstones, Geneva, 1976, pl. B19. Compare also a jade marriage bowl with butterfly handles, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Masterworks of Chinese Jade in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1973, pl. 34.