A WHITE JADE DOUBLE-GOURD FIGURAL VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the white stone mottled with natural russet and opaque inclusions, modelled in the form of a compressed double-gourd, the waisted neck flanked by a pair of S-shaped handles, carved on the right in high relief and openwork with a figure perched on rockwork, holding a basket with a toad exhaling flying bats and swirling clouds, the left side decorated with another figure raised on scrolling clouds, the back with further bats in flight amidst clouds, all above turbulent waves, the fitted cover similarly modelled, encircled by bands of upright and pendant petals in low relief, wood stand

A Milanese Private Collection.

There are a 0.5 cm and 0.3 cm chip to a scrolling cloud on the back and the wave at the bottom right respectively. Apart from some other minor nibbles and bruises, the overall condition of the vase is quite good. Carved as two separate pieces of jade, the cover and the knop are glued together.
"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."

Compare a smaller double gourd vase carved with the Hehe Erxian sold in these rooms, 8^th October 2008, lot 2729; and another sold in our London rooms, 28^th October 1988, lot 267. For a vase of this size and related handles, see one sold in our London rooms, 6^th December 1994, lot 56.

The carved decoration endows this vase with rich auspicious symbolism. The Hehe Erxian represent harmony and unity. Furthermore, the addition of bats, symbolic of blessings, on a double gourd vase which is representative of fertility, suggests that this vase was presented as a wedding gift.