A FINELY CARVED WHITE JADE 'MAKARA' VASE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

well carved as a makara leaping from cresting waves, its mouth pierced for use as a vase, its whiskers, horns and scaly body finely picked out, depicted with ruyi-shaped cloud swirls around its serrated fins, wood stand

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 18th May 1988, lot 562.

In overall good condition. The form of the clouds near the fish's fins is slightly uneven, suggested that it may have been polished to conceal earlier damage. There are also minute nicks to the extremities and light surface wear. The actual colour of the jade is a tinge greener than the catalogue illustration.
"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."

The present piece is notable for its dynamic and crisply carved depiction of two fish, which skilfully captures a sense of movement and power while retaining the fine detail and finished surface that were appreciated by the jade connoisseurs of the Qing dynasty. The robust forms of the creatures and broadly formed waves of water draw attention to the fine quality white jade stone from which it has been fashioned, a material that was particularly treasured by the Qianlong Emperor.

For a closely related carving of two fish in yellow jade, see the example originally in the Palmer collection, included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1975, cat. no. 421, and sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 9th October 2007, lot 1210.

The dynamic carving captures the carp’s moment of transformation from a fish into a dragon upon swimming upstream in the Yellow River and leaping the rapids of the Dragon Gate. This theme was a popular pictorial subject as it is a metaphor for a scholar who passes the civil examinations and thus transforms into a high official.