A SUPERBLY CARVED AMBER 'PRUNUS' WASHER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY |

carved in the form of an open prunus bloom with radiating veined petals and furled edges, the exterior exuberantly carved in openwork with intertwining stems issuing further flowering and budding prunus on the side and the base, the translucent material of a rich orange-brown tone, wood stand

The washer is in good overall structural condition. The fragile openwork branches have been chipped and restuck with minor sections of losses. There are also typical minor bruises and nicks to the edges with small sections possibly lightly polished.
"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 craftsman of this piece has displayed the masterful range of his skills in creating a vessel that is elegantly shaped in the form of a prunus tree, combining high-relief openwork with lightly incised lines to create pleasing contrasts and thus accentuating the rich hues of the raw material. The auspicious prunus has been deliberately chosen, being one of the most admired flowers in China due to its winter-resistant beauty and its symbolic meaning of sustaining a righteousness even in harsh conditions. Compare two washers of this type sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, one of translucent honey-brown tone, carved in the form of a lotus flower with a chilong and lotus on the side, 3rd November 1996, lot 516, and the other, of a warm reddish-orange colour, its flower-form and gnarling branches bearing magnolia blossoms, sold 28th November 2012, lot 2393.