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A MUGHAL WHITE JADE HILT 18TH CENTURY
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 HKD
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Description
- Jade
well worked with a waisted grip decorated with a bulbous centre bordered with two thin raised ribs, the broad pommel with a pair of attenuated projections flanking a central hemispherical knop, all above a flared quillion issuing a curved knuckle-guard on one side and culminating in a floral bud below the pommel, the stone of an even white colour with grey and russet inclusions, the wood box inscribed with a four-character seal inscription reading yun du cang zhu ('safekeeping [a beautiful jade] in a case')
Provenance
Collection of Joseph J. Schedel.
Condition
In overall good condition. Minor nicks to extremities, as expected. The point where it is fixed to the sword is bruised, as visible in the catalogue photo.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Compare two closely related examples from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, the first illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 217, and the second published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Armaments and Military Provisions, Hong Kong, 2008, pl. 187; and a knife with a similarly modelled handle, included in the exhibition Splendors of China’s Forbidden City. The Glorious Reign of Emperor Qianlong, The Field Museum, Chicago, 2004, cat. no. 129.
The phrase carved on the box cover is an excerpt from Lunyu [the Analects]: "Zi Gong said, 'There is a beautiful gem here. Should I lay it up in a case and keep it? or should I seek for a good price and sell it?' The Master said, 'Sell it! Sell it! But I would wait for one to offer the price'" (translated by James Legge).
The phrase carved on the box cover is an excerpt from Lunyu [the Analects]: "Zi Gong said, 'There is a beautiful gem here. Should I lay it up in a case and keep it? or should I seek for a good price and sell it?' The Master said, 'Sell it! Sell it! But I would wait for one to offer the price'" (translated by James Legge).