A CELADON JADE ARCHAISTIC VASE, GU QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of rectangular section, modelled after the archaistic ritual vessel gu, supported on a pronounced foot, surmounted by a trumpet mouth, flanked by a pair of animal mask handles each suspending a loose ring, carved in low relief around the body with stylised masks on a floral diaper ground, all below a raised collar of lotus scrolls girdling upright plantain leaves at the base of the flaring mouth, the hollow foot similarly decorated with pendant foliage encircled by a floral register, the glassy stone of a pale celadon tone with natural opaque inclusions, stand

Except for some very minute nibbles to the rims, the overall condition is excellent.
"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 present vase is unusual for the floral diaper ground of the body while the stylised taotie is a characteristic example of the Qing interpretation of an archaic design. Although the form derives from the archaic bronze fanggu of the Shang dynasty (16^th century-c.1050 BC), the decorative bands firmly place it in the Qing tradition. For a larger white jade fanggu of more slender proportions and flanked with a pair of ringed lingzhi handles, but carved with a geometric stylisation of archaistic designs, see one sold at Christie's New York, 15^th September 2009, lot 151; and another, but of octagonal section and ringed bat handles, sold in our New York rooms, 18^th October 1990, lot 326.