A Mughal-Style White Jade Covered Vase Qing Dynasty, 18th century

the translucent diaphanously thin walls of the compressed ovoid body finely carved in low-relief on the body with two lotus flowers borne on fluted acanthus leaf scrolls, the neck similarly carved with a dianthus flower borne on an acanthus stem, flanked by a pair of openwork stylised lotus flowers each terminating in a further acanthus stalk securing a hollowed-out loose ring handle, shoulder and base encircled with an upright acanthus leaf band, all supported on a scalloped petal foot, set with a domed cover similarly carved with lotus and acanthus, all below a lotus bud finial

A private American collection.

The overall condition is very good with only a minor chip to the tip of one of the petals on the lotus final on the cover.
"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."

Jades carved in this florid style, which originated in Hindustan in the Mughal period, were first introduced to China around the middle of the Qianlong Emperor's reign and he quickly grew to be quite fond of them. The first carved jade to be sent from Central Asia to the Qing court as a tribute was recorded in 1756 and pieces continued to arrive at court throughout his reign and thereafter.  Concurrently, Muslim jade carvers were brought to the Palace Workshops to fashion similar wares, and as early as 1764, exact copies of the Indian jades held at the palace were reproduced by Chinese craftsmen working at court.  From the inscriptions found on Mughal jades in the former Imperial collections now in Taipei and Beijing, it seems that the peak period for appreciation and production of Mughal wares at the Chinese court were the early to mid-1770s.  At least twenty-five extant Mughal-style jades bear poems by the Emperor, engraved in the Palace Workshops. 

The present lot has Sinicised elements including the loose ring handles, which rarely is found on Mughal jades from South Asia, but is a common trait on Mughal-styled jades made in China for the Imperial court.  Many of the Mughal-styled jades made for the Qing Court are heavier in weight with thicker walls, but the present lot has paper-thin walls characteristic of Mughal jades.