A PALE CELADON JADE 'PEONY' BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of flattened rounded form raised on four bracket feet, the tightly fitting cover delicately carved with a swaying spray of leafy peony scrolls and attendant buds, depicted with a butterfly fluttering nearby, the translucent stone of a pale celadon colour mottled with icy inclusions

The box and cover are in overall good condition, except minute nicks to the rims and extremities as can be expected. The actual colour is warmer and less yellow with tinge of sage-green tone compare to 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."

This box is notable for its high relief carving of a butterfly hovering over a peony bloom and its expertly finished surface. Boxes carved with this auspicious design that symbolises good fortune, love and joy, were presented as gifts during wedding ceremonies.

A white jade box of circular form and carved with this design was sold in our New York rooms, 3^rd June 1992, lot 30, possibly the same that sold at Christie’s London, 31^st November 1988, lot 543. Compare also a box of similar cylindrical form, with a Qianlong mark and of the period, carved with the motif of the Three Friends of Winter, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1^st June 2011, lot 3854; and a circular example with flowering plum, sold in our New York rooms, 31^st/1^st March/ April 2005, lot 77.