A PALE CELADON JADE 'LINGZHI' LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

carved and hollowed in the form of a large lingzhi fungus borne on gnarled branches forming the openwork base and curling around the sides issuing smaller lingzhi fungus, all below two clambering chilong and a pair of bats in flight, the rim with a large scaly dragon perched atop the rim eyeing a flaming pearl, the stone of an even pale celadon tone, wood stand

Christie’s New York, 30th March 2005, lot 121.

This impressive libation cup is in in very good condition with the exception of a 15 x 2mm shallow area of polish to the tip of the rim, a 3 x 2mm flake to the edge of the left foot of the dragon on the rim, and a tiny nick to the edge of the same dragons tail. It should be noted that the stone is of a slightly more pale celadon tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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 vessels in the form of libation cups are rare and this piece is particularly impressive for its large size and robust carving. See another white jade libation cup decorated with scholars in a mountain landscape and dated to the dingyou year of the Qianlong period (corresponding to 1777), from the collections of T.B. Kitson, Mrs N.B. Pilcher and Alan and Simone Hartman, sold twice in these rooms, 18^th October 1960, lot 146, and 30^th October 1987, lot 287, and again at Christie’s Hong Kong, 26^th November 2006, lot 1388.

In its form and style of decoration it follows after rhinoceros horn carvings. As the distinctive pyramidal form and intricate carving of such vessels was based on the natural form and the relative softness of the rhinoceros horn, jade versions required an exceptionally large boulder from which to capture the form and countless hours of intensive labour to capture a similar degree of surface detail. The style of decoration, with the lingzhi modelled in the round to form the foot of the vessel and extending upwards together with the chilong and dragon handle, is also characteristic of rhinoceros horn carvings.