A JADEITE OPENWORK CENSER AND COVER LATE 19TH / EARLY 20TH CENTURY

the milky white stone with patches of apple and forest green inclusions, well carved with flaring sides rising to an everted mouth, flanked by a pair of dragon handles intricately carved with branch-like horns and outspread wings, each with two loose rings, the censer further adorned with animal masks suspending loose rings around the base, all supported on three feet, raised on a waisted pedestal surrounded by four stylised dragons, the domed cover carved with four panels in openwork, all below a garlic-shaped knop similarly decorated with openwork cartouches and protruding animal masks with loose rings, stand

Originally carved as four pieces, the lower part of the pedestal is glued to the raised tripod censer, and the garlic-shaped knop is also glued to the domed cover. Apart from a very shallow chip of about 0.4 cm to the interior of the cover, the overall condition is very good.
"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 censer is notable for its skilful elaborate carving and it is unusual to find examples with such ornate stands fashioned from the same piece of stone as the body. A censer of related form with a similar but separate ringed stand was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 19^th March 1991, lot 753. Compare also a censer carved with ten ring handles adorning the knop of the cover and body, sold in our New York rooms, 22^nd March 1968, lot 147.