A spinach jade marriage bowl Mark and Period of Qianlong

the shallow circular vessel carved on the interior in relief with four melons growing on a vine intertwined with lotus flowers, the rounded sides of the exterior carved with a band of lotus flowers borned on an acanthus leaf scroll, the sides further flanked by a pair of butterflies with outstretched wings perched on the edge of the rim above a loop securing a loose ring handle, all supported on four low ruyi cloud-shaped feet, the underside inscribed with a four-character reign mark, the stone of deep green tone with natural black veining

Sotheby's New York, 23rd March 2004, lot 519.

There is a 4 cm crack extending from one of the handles and onto the interior along a natural fissure in the stone. The underside of that particular handle also has a small patch on the corner that has been polished. The ring on the aforementioned handled has been restored. That side of the bowl may have sustained an injury, resulting in the break of the ring and the hairline crack. The base of the interior has 2 - 1 and 1.5 cm areas of spinach green jade fill corresponding to two of the feet which appears to have been restored.
"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."

Large 'marriage' bowls of this material and form typically bear symbols relating to fidelity, fecundity and the wish for many male progeny, such as the melons on the present example. Compare related bowls exhibited in the Minneapolis Museum of Art, Jade as Sculpture, 1975, cat. nos. 52 and 54.