A WHITE JADE 'MYTHICAL BEAST' VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of flattened form, the lower half of the vase worked in relief as a standing mythical animal, decorated with an animal head and curling tail, the body picked out with wings, the neck of the vase with a pair of kui dragon handles suspending loose rings, the domed cover decorated with a small bird, the translucent stone of an even white colour with some icy inclusions, together with its original 1922 Spink & Son Ltd. catalogue, cat. no. 1396

Collection of Walter L. Behrens (1861-1913).
Spink & Son Ltd., London, 1922.

The vase and cover are in overall good condition with just expected minute bruises and nicks to the extremities, especially to the rims of the vase and cover. There is an approx. 0.8 cm polished section to the inner flange of the cover, possibly to conceal an earlier nick. There is also faint pitting to the stone.
"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."

Compare a vase similarly modelled in the form of a mythological animal supporting a vase, but lacking the cover, sold in our London rooms, 2nd May 1985, lot 237; two sold in our New York rooms, 18th June 1983, lot 298, and 11th March 1975, lot 76; a slightly smaller vase sold in these rooms, 14th May 1983, lot 689; and another sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 2nd October 1991, lot 1375. See also a larger vase of this type, with Qianlong mark and of the period, included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935, cat. no. 2831.