A WHITE JADE 'DRAGON' WATERPOT QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD |

superbly worked with deep rounded sides rising from a flat base to an incurved rim, the shoulder decorated in high relief with a pair of confronting five-clawed dragons soaring amidst ruyi clouds, each depicted with a prominent head and scaly writhing body, the substantial stone of an opaque white colour, zitan stand

Good condition with just minute nicks to the interior of the mouth.
"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."

This piece is remarkable for its motif of two lively dragons masterfully rendered twisting their body around the opening of the vessel. Carved almost in the round, the beasts’ scaly and muscular body creates a dramatic contrast to the otherwise undecorated vessel.  A similarly carved waterpot, also inscribed with a poetic inscription by the Qianlong Emperor, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Scholar’s Paraphernalia. Classics of the Forbidden City, Beijing, 2009, pl. 231; a celadon jade example lacking the inscription and carved with two dragons and a chilong, from the collection of Mr and Mrs Djahanguir Riahi, was sold in our Paris rooms, 22nd June 2017, lot 3; and a smaller one was sold in these rooms, 3rd October 2018, lot 3350. See also one carved entirely with dragons among waves and clouds, sold at Christie’s New York, 22nd/23rd March 2012, lot 1862.