A SUPERBLY CARVED LARGE WHITE JADE MARRIAGE BOWL QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of exceptionally large size, the deep rounded sides supported on five ruyi head feet, the exterior very finely carved in low relief with xi characters on opposite sides, each surrounded by lush lotus blooms borne on feathery leafy stems, flanked at the sides by a pair of elaborately carved handles suspending loose rings, each in the form of a butterfly spreading its long wings and confronting a chrysanthemum bloom surrounded by smaller blossoms, the translucent stone of a pale celadon tone with areas of white inclusions

Apart from a few natural flaws (veins) in the stone, the overall condition is very good. The stone is very white and with only a few faint patches of darker inclusions.
"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."

Marriage bowls, sometimes referred to as water basins or brushwashers, were popular vessels during the Qing period. They are often carved and decorated with a variety of auspicious motifs which offer blessings and good wishes upon a marital union. In the case of the present piece, there are several auspicious motifs present.  The sides of the bowl are carved with shuangxi ('double happiness') characters, which are often found on items related to marraige, expressing the wish for the joy found in the union of two people.  This emphasis on the union of two is strengthened by the inclusion of a pair of butterflies with flowers forming the handles, expressing wishes for joy, love and prosperity, and the inclusion of the Indian lotus impling wishes of harmony and continuity, together with the implied meanings of purity and abundance, particularly with regards to the birth of numerous sons.  The ruyi-form feet continue these expressions of good wishes with the implication that the recipients will have a long life together.

Due to the large number of traditional auspicious motifs which may be used in the decoration of such bowls, there is a correspondingly wide variety among marraige bowls.  A bowl decorated with shuangxi characters, lotus blossoms and supported on ruyi-feet, in the collection of the Lady Lever Art Gallery, is illustrated in Stanley Charles Nott, Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, Tokyo, 1962, pl. CXXVIII.  Another bowl, with butterfly handles, the interior carved with the sanduo (the 'three abundances': Peach, pomegranate and finger-citron), is illustrated in Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, no. 88, p. 105, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27th November 2007, lot 1503.