清十八世紀 白玉童子獻瑞八方耳盃

of faceted octagonal form above a conforming foot, flanked by two handles worked in the form of two boys seated on cloud scrolls protruding from the sides and bearing lingzhi and peach on trays, the stone of an even white tone 

Knapton Rasti Asian Art，倫敦，2003年

The overall condition is very good, except for some expected nibbles to the extremities, including a tiny polished area to mouthrim on the left of the boy offering lingzhi, possibly to conceal a shallow nick. The catalogue illustration is a tinge brighter than the actual colour of the stone.
"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 piece belongs to a distinct group of jade vessels made with figurative handles fashioned in the round. Cups of this type originated in the Song dynasty (960-1279); for example see a bowl with handles carved in the form of female immortals standing on clouds, from the Qing court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Jade, vol. 5, Tang, Song, Liao, Jin and Yuan Dynasties, Beijing, 2011, pl. 56; and another in the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, included in the exhibition Chinese Jades from Han to Ch’ing, Asia House Gallery, New York, 1980, cat. no. 131.

Compare also an octagonal cup, attributed to the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368), with handles modelled in the form of boys, sold in our New York rooms, 20th March 2012, lot 212; and four rounded cups in the Palace Museum, Beijing, one illustrated in The Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Jade, vol. 10, Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 2011, pl. 145, with an early Qing attribution, and three published in The Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Jade, vol. 7, Ming Dynasty, Beijing, 2011, pls 157-9, attributed to the Ming dynasty.