民國 翠玉獸首活環耳蓋瓶一對

each of circular archaistic baluster form, finely carved with an ovoid body rising from a splayed pedestal foot to a waisted neck and a galleried mouthrim, flanked by a pair of mythical beast-handles suspending a loose ring, the body set with vertical serrated flanges and a further small mythical beast-masks suspending a loose ring on the front and on the reverse, all below a well-fitted cover surmounted by a finial carved in the form of a roaring lion fancifully playing with its cub, the translucent stone of attractive icy-white colour elegantly mottled with russet and spinach-green specks, wood stands

（傳）Simon Kriger（1900-1985）收藏
美國私人收藏，華盛頓

Both vases appears to be in good condition with only very minor typical nibbling to the edges which are original to the carving. The stone is very translucent and of an attractive colour safe for a slightly more opaque circular pale green inclusion encircling the neck of both which is natural and repeated on both vases (showing on the illustration in the catalogue) together with a few other expected natural inclusions. The covers are also in good condition with occasional minor typical nibbling to the edges of the carving. The rings are in good condition. The stands have some age crackles. The actual colour is consistent with the catalogue illustration, if not a little deeper and warmer.
"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."

Simon Kriger was a prominent dealer and art patron promoting Chinese art in Washington D.C. after the World War II. Born in 1900, Mr Kriger grew up in the Russian community in Harbin before migrating to Washington DC in 1938 where he promoted Chinese arts and culture, opening a gallery specializing in Asian antiques near the White House. This pair of vases was by repute prominently displayed in the jade room on the second floor of the gallery, and remained in Mr Kriger's collection until the 1970s before passing on to a private collection in Washington, and thence to the present owner