A ROCK CRYSTAL 'MYTHICAL BEAST' VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY |

with a flaring body resting on a galleried rim atop a short foot, carved with slightly concave band encircling the shoulder below a waisted neck and galleried rim, the neck flanked by a pair of loop handles suspending loose rings, interrupted by a pair of mythical beasts carved in high relief with their heads sharply turned backwards, the tall cover similarly decorated with a pair of mythical beasts below a rounded finial, the transparent material virtually free of inclusions, wood stand

Good condition. There are very slight irregularities in the shape of the mouth rim and the flange of the cover, suggesting that there may have been very slight polishing.
"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 vase is notable for the flawless quality and almost glass-like in appearance of the material which has been skilfully accentuated by the contrasting high-relief mythical beasts and undecorated body. Comparable rock crystal vases attributed to the 18th century include one with a hexagonal body flanked by four animal-mask handles individually suspending a loose ring, from the estate of Dorothy H. Guider, sold in our New York rooms, 26th November 1991, lot 373, and again in these rooms, 8th April 2011, lot 3233.