A FINE WHITE JADE MOONFLASK AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the flask of compressed spherical form supported on stepped foot, the circular main section in three registers with an elaborate taotie mask in the centre, repeating on both sides, the top and bottom registers with beribboned archaistic motifs, the curved shoulders flanked by a pair of taotie mask ring handles in low-relief, all set between a waisted neck flanked by a pair of chilong dragons chasing each other, the matching cover with a finely incised oval finial, the stone of even white tone

Sotheby's New York, 18^th September 2007, lot 191.

In overall good condition with minute nicks on edges barely visit and original white veining and light brown inclusions inherent in the stone, visible on the cover and the back of the vase.
"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."

Jade carvers working in the Palace Workshops were skilled adaptors and the present moonflask is a fine example of their interpretation of ancient decoration and form to suit contemporary taste. The pure, translucency of this vessel is noteworthy, and the skilfully carved low-relief decoration accentuates the quality of the white stone.

For further examples of moonflasks imitating archaic bianhu in form and decoration, see one in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, with curling handles and carved with blocks of chi dragons, included in The Refined Taste of the Emperor: Special Exhibition of Archaic and Pictorial Jades of the Ch'ing Court, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1997, cat. no. 23; and another decorated with intertwining archaistic dragons and phoenixes surround a central shou character and with elephant-head handles, sold in our New York rooms, 9-10^th October 1987, lot 161, and again at Christie's New York, 30^th March 2005, lot 134.