清十八世紀 白玉雙鳳活環耳四足洗

of circular form with deep rounded sides supported on four small bracket feet, set with two openwork handles finely carved in the form of phoenix with bulging eyes and a short beak, their outstretched wings and curling crest-feathers extending onto the incurved rim, their looped body suspending a thick loose ring, the translucent stone of milky-white colour finely suffused with icy inclusions and finished to a smooth polish

There are several minute frits to the interior rim. And to the phoenix handles, but otherwise the vessel is in good condition. The colour is fairly accurately represented in the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Often carved and decorated with a variety of auspicious motifs, jade vessels of this type were presented to offer blessings to the recipients. The phoenix is a symbol of new beginnings, thus this piece would have been befitting as a gift on the occasion of a marriage. Moreover, the ruyi feet symbolise the expression of good wishes and when this bowl is viewed from the top, the phoenix handles resemble butterflies, which are a symbol of marital bliss and were a popular motif on 'marriage' bowls. A 'marriage' bowl of this type, with the slight incurved rim, but flanked by winged dragon loop handles, was sold in these rooms, 8^th April 2010, lot 1869. Two jade brushwashers of related form, with twin boys as handles and of smaller size, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, are illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, pls 163-64. See also the white jade 'marriage' bowl,  lot 3078 in the present sale.