A RARE PALE GREEN JADE 'CHILONG'-HANDLED 'THREE FRIENDS OF WINTER' CUP LATE MING DYNASTY

with steep and slightly rounded sides rising from a countersunk base, the sides well worked in openwork with three handles in the form of a chilong with a curling furcated tail clambering on the sides with its paws and head resting on the rim, one depicted grasping in its mouth a sprig of bamboo leaves, another a sprig of pine blossoms, the third a sprig bearing a prunus blossom, the stone of a pale celadon colour with white streaks

There are minute nicks to the extremities, including the footrim, the edges of the prunus, the tips of the chilong's ears and other general surface wear. Otherwise good condition.
"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 present jade cup, decorated with three chilong grasping in their mouths sprigs of pine, bamboo and prunus representing the 'Three Friends of Winter', is highly unusual. Compare cups carved with three chilong but of shallower form and lacking the floral sprigs; for example see one in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1975, cat. no. 382; one in the Cleveland Museum of Art, included in the exhibition Chinese Jades from Han to Ch’ing, Asia House Gallery, New York,  1980, cat. no. 139; another from the collection of Pauline E. Woodworth, sold in our New York rooms, 28th/29th November 1994, lot 10; and a fourth cup, sold in our London rooms, 12th May 2010, lot 98.