A CELADON AND RUSSET JADE VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of flattened baluster form, the waisted neck carved with hanging archaistic leaf-shaped motifs, flanked by a pair of archaistic dragon handles, carved to each side in relief with a scholar and attendant near a retreat in a rocky mountainous landscape, the domed cover carved with stylised ruyi below an oval-shaped knop

This jade vase and cover is in good condition, with very minor nicks to the rim, the rim of the cover and the footrim.
"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."

Vases fashioned from boulders of such large dimensions and carved with tranquil and inviting landscapes were seldom created before the Qianlong period due to the rarity of large pieces of jade. Often made from carefully chosen stones which would enhance the differing depths of the carved pictorial scene, these vessels represented ideal scenes from nature that were miniaturised to be appreciated in the scholar’s studio. These scenes, which encompassed a range of objects including boulder carvings, brushpots and vases, were a means of inspiration and escape for the official who was caught in the day-to-day duties of officialdom.

A vase of similar form and carved with landscape panels was sold in twice in our London rooms, 12th May 1989, lot 597, and 6th June 1995, lot 52; a larger one was sold at Christie’s New York, 20th September 2002, lot 209; and another, attributed to the 19th century, from the Moren Lee and Thompson-Schwab collections, was sold in our these rooms, 9th November 2016, lot 25.