A LARGE CARNELIAN AGATE 'LINGZHI' WASHER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

modelled in the form of a large lingzhi bloom with irregular deep rounded sides, depicted in high relief and openwork borne on a gnarled stem forming the base and extending around the uneven and burled exterior of the vessel with further stems and small attendant lingzhi blooms, the substantial stone of warm milky-white colour mottled with vermilion patches

Good overall condition with just minor bruises to the extremities, some of which have been polished down.
"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."

Especially treasured for its bright colouration and translucent quality, agate is one of several hardstones that were valued as much as the finest quality jade. Ming Wilson in Chinese Jades, London, 2004, pp. 96-97, translates a passage written by Zhou Hui, who recorded that "During the Zhenghe years (1111-18) agate came from Ruzhou and Caizhou, with which the palace workshop made belt plaques, vessels and trinkets. After the Xuanhe years [1120-25] the stock in the imperial storehouse turned a bone colour and had to be discarded. The common folks who got hold of some could not understand why".

An agate vessel in the form of lingzhi was sold in these rooms, 24th May 1981, lot 1380; one was sold at Christie’s London, 20th April 1970, lot 191; and a third from the collection of Robert H. Blumenfield, was sold at Christie’s New York, 22nd March 2012, lot 1201.