A FINE AND LARGE CELADON JADE VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

of rectangular form and square section, each side of the body crisply carved with four raised plain panels, all supported on a stepped pedestal foot, the incurved shoulders carved with four mythical-beast mask handles suspending loose rings, the cover of similar section surmounted by a coiled dragon in high and pierced relief with finely incised detailing, the stone highly polished and of slightly mottled 'sodden snow' tone

T.B. Kitson, London.
Sotheby's London, 30th May 1961, lot 454.
Spink & Son Ltd., London.
Sir Isaac and Lady Wolfson, London.
Sotheby's London, 8th June 1982, lot 325.
Spink & Son, London.
Sir John Woolf, London (1913-1999).
Christie's London, 9th June 1997, lot 233.

This large and impressive vase is in good condition but does have a flaw running diagonally through the rim for 4cm. There is also a minor flaw to one side of the cover. The vase is more of a celadon colour than depicted 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. 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  imposing vase is impressive for its very large size and quality of stone. The boulder from which it has been carved is notable for its evenness in tone and clarity despite its remarkable size, and has been accentuated through the smoothly finished undecorated surfaces. The finely modelled mask handles and intricate openwork dragon finial provide pleasing aesthetic contrasts to these broad plains. In form this vase appears to be inspired by magnificent bronze ritual vases, such as a pair of Qianlong mark and period examples sold three times in our Hong Kong rooms, in 1997, 2006 and most recently, 9th October 2007, lot 1322. These bronze vases likely took their form from the archaic bronze hu vessel.

Vases of such large size are seldom found devoid of surface decoration, a style generally reserved for vessels made of the finest quality stones. Compare a smaller vase of similar form, but decorated on the body with taotie masks, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in the Compendium of Collections of the Palace Museum. Jade, vol. 10, Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 2011, pl. 12.

Large boulders of high quality jade began to be sent as tribute gifts to the Qing Court during the reign of the Qianlong emperor, after the Qing army’s conquest of the north-western territories in the mid-18th century. The highest quality boulders, which came from the jade-rich territories of Khotan and Yarkand, were then selected to be carved by artisans working in the Palace Workshop, in the jade workshops of Suzhou or in those belonging to the Huai and Changlu administrations. The finished product was later presented to the court for approval before being displayed in the Palace.