A PALE CELADON JADE 'BAJIXIANG' MARRIAGE BOWL QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the deep rounded sides supported on four short feet, flanked by a pair of openwork handles finely worked in the form of a bat with outstretched wings suspending a loose ring, the interior of the bowl decorated in relief with two of the bajixiang emblems, a beribboned 'twin fish' and a large lotus bloom with a ribbon tied around the stem, surrounded by ruyi-shaped cloud scrolls incised to the cavetto, the exterior similarly worked in relief with cloud swirls and the remaining six bajixiang emblems decorated with billowing ribbons, the stone of a pale celadon colour with faint russet streaks

Collection of Stanley Charles Nott.
Sotheby’s London, 24th June 1980, lot 213.

Stanley Charles Nott, Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, London, 1968, pl. XXXV.

The bowl is in overall good condition with just typical minor nicks to the extremities, including the edges of the relief carvings, the most notable measuring approx. 0.6 cm to the ribbon next to the fish on the interior.
"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."

Marriage bowls were popular during the Qianlong period, and the production of such vessels was only possible due to the quantity of jade boulders of this large size that were available during his reign. They take their name from their auspicious imagery, the designs of which vary greatly, which combine to allude to felicitous wishes for a long and happy married life and were thus often presented on the occasion of a wedding. The two handles were also carved with a range of motifs that cleverly resemble two facing butterflies when viewed from the top to represent a joyful encounter and hence marital bliss. The handles of the present marriage bowl are carved with two bats (shuang fu) to indicate double blessings.

Marriage bowls carved on the exterior with bajixiang include two sold in our New York rooms, the first from the collection of T.B. Walker, 19th/20th October 1988, lot 324, and the other, 8th October 1983, lot 150.