A WHITE JADE ‘LINGZHI’ WASHER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the thick-walled, shallow vessel carved in the form of two large lingzhi heads borne on twisted gnarled stems issuing furled leaves and a smaller lingzhi head, the stone of an even white tone finished with a lustrous polish, wood stand

T.Y. King & Co., Hong Kong, 1967.
Bluett & Sons Ltd, London, 1967 (£62:10).
Collection of Roger Pilkington (1928-69), from 1967 (£85).

The washer is in good condition. There are minute nicks and tiny areas of bruising to the extremities as can be expected, including the edges of the lingzhi and the leaves.
"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 luminosity and evenness of tone of this stone has been skilfully accentuated through the restrained use of surface decoration and lustrous finish. The carver has skilfully created an aesthetically appealing piece, seen in the subtly receding walls of the brushwasher that create delightful linear shadows and the careful twisting branches contrasting with the plain surfaces. A larger washer carved in the form of two lingzhi was sold in our New York rooms, 8th October 1983, lot 119, and again in these rooms, 18th May 1989, lot 737; and another was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 19th March 1991, lot 707.

The lingzhi fungus, Ganoderma lucidum, also known as the ‘magical mushroom of immortality’ was believed to possess magical qualities. In Shennong bencaojing [Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic], written in the Han dynasty, out of all the hundreds of plants, animals and minerals, lingzhi was ranked as the most important medicine. It was used to treat a variety of ailments and thus earned the reputation of an immortality-inducing herb and an extremely popular ingredient in Daoist recipes for longevity. In the form of a water vessel the lingzhi represents a visual rebus for the wish for longevity, peace and security.