A FINELY CARVED JADE 'LINGZHI' VASE QING DYNASTY, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

naturalistically carved in the form of a large auspicious fungus with two high leafy branches and several other smaller secondary fungi growing around, two bats with outstretched wings hovering on each side, the pale greenish translucent stone with patches of light brown inclusions and russet skin around the rim skilfully enhancing the organic aspect of the composition    

Bluett & Sons, London.

There are some occasional nibbles to the carving, including a 0.3 cm nick to a leaf. It also has some typical pitting to the calcified areas. The stone has some natural russet veining and inclusions as visible on the photograph. The actual colour is slightly paler than the catalogue illustration.
"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."

The form of the present piece has been cleverly modelled to follow the natural shape of the jade pebble so as to create minimal wastage of the precious material. Furthermore, the carver has skilfully incorporated the darker hues near the skin of the stone to create effective tonal and textural contrasts at the mouth and foot of the vase. Compare vases of related lingzhi form, such a larger example carved from a greenish white stone, sold at Christie's New York, 22nd March 2007, lot 122; a slightly smaller celadon jade example sold in our London rooms, 9th November 2011, lot 266; and another vase modelled in the form of a lotus leaf surrounded by lingzhi fungus sprays from 'chicken bone' jade, sold in our London rooms, 27th October 1989, lot 292.

The lingzhi fungus is a rebus for 'intelligence' (ling) and 'arrive' (zhi) while the bat is a pun for 'blessings' (fu) and together represent the wish for a clear mind when blessings arrive.