A WHITE JADE LOBED WASHER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY |

the curved shallow sides divided into eight lobes and supported on four splayed ruyi feet, the stone of a translucent white tone, wood stand

The washer is in good overall condition with expected minute bruises and nicks to the edges, including the rim and two feet, the largest measuring approx. 0.4 cm to one foot.
"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 fine, almost flawless quality of the material and the high polish are characteristic of jades produced at the Imperial workshops in the latter part of the 18th century. The lobed form, popular during the period, shows influence from Mughal jades which were sent as tribute wares from India in large numbers. After 1760, the tribute jade system from Xinjiang and Hetian increased the supply of jades to the court, and sufficient jade material laid the foundation for the flourishing of Qianlong jade workmanship. Under these circumstances, the creation of Qing jade washers reached an unprecedented height. There are more than 600 Qing jade washers preserved in the Beijing Palace Museum collection. Due to the complexity of creating a jade washer and the ever-changing materials, none of the existing jade washers are the same. They all have their own unique style and different shape. The pieces are vivid, exquisite and artistic, far exceeding their mere utilitarian function. The current white jade washer, of lobed form and completely plain, encapsulated an elegance and minimalism contrasting with some of the jades of the period which veered towards over decoration, to the disapproval of the Qianlong Emperor. Compare the closely related treatment of the lobed form on a jade washer, included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935, cat. no. 2865. See also a smaller white jade washer of similar lobed form, but flanked by boys handles, sold in our London rooms, 11th May 2016, lot 157, from the Fleischer collection.