A WHITE JADE SQUARE 'DRAGON' WASHER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of squared section rising to straight everted sides with a rectangular bar extending across the upper rim, the washer further carved with nine chilong dragons crawling around the exterior sides and across the bar, each dragon with a heart-shaped face, a long curled tail and some with a long horn extending to its upper shoulders, the stone of celadon-white colour

This washer is in fine condition overall. The deeply carved jade with sharp edges has been well preserved with no apparent nicks. The colour of the stone is slightly yellowier in tone than as illustrated and its real colour resembles the darker shaded areas of the washer in the catalogue photograph.
"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."

Compare a square cup carved with the Eight Immortals, phoenixes and a dragon, in the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, illustrated in James C.Y. Watt, Chinese Jades from the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, 1989, pl. 77, where the author mentions that these large square cups were sometimes used as a libation cup on ceremonial occasions (p. 98). See also a later pair of rectangular jadeite lozenge bowls, carved on two sides with chilong in high-relief, sold at Christie's London, 7^th December 1992, lot 150; and a circular bowl similarly carved with chilong clambering around and over the sides, sold at Christie's London, 26^th January 1976, lot 183.