A MAGNIFICIENT IMPERIAL DICHROMATIC TOURMALINE DOUBLE VASE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

masterfully carved in the form of two tall conjoined vases with angled shoulders and waisted necks, the larger vase set with four loop handles, their round bodies wreathed by gnarled branches of lingzhi rising from jagged rocks and volutes of clouds around the base, and further flanked on the side by a large chilong and a smaller one, each detailed with raised head, a powerful writhing body, curling mane and bifid tail, the larger beast clenching a sprig of lingzhi in its teeth, the beautifully selected stone meticulously worked through its variously coloured strata from a deep purple tone at the base to a bright emerald-green on the rim, divided by a thin layer of silvery-white in the centre

A private European collection.
Christie's London, 10th May 2011, lot 119.

There are two 2 mm. triangular flakes on the rim that have been filled. Apart from this the overall condition is very good. The actual colours of the piece is slightly brighter than the colours in the catalogue illustrations.
"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 beauty of this large dichromatic stone, in its rich colour saturation and polished translucent lustre, is accentuated in the intricately carved decoration which has been juxtaposed with the plain surface of the vases. Tourmaline of this distinctive green-and-pink variety is known as ‘watermelon tourmaline’ and gained favour during the Qianlong Emperor’s reign. Although tourmaline was apparently available to the Chinese before the Qing dynasty, it only gained prominence after the conquest of Turkestan in 1759. The expanding territory and contact with neighbouring and foreign countries contributed to the great developments in hardstone carving. The relative abundance of materials, such as crystal and agate from the Yangzi River regions, jadeite from Burma, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, and tourmaline and large nephrite boulders from Xinjiang, together with exceptionally accomplished craftsmen and keen imperial patronage, contributed to the creation of numerous superb works.

Stone carvings of the Qing period can be grouped into three main categories: personal adornments such as jewellery, articles for daily use including scholars’ objects, and ornamental pieces such as figural carvings. The use of rebuses was a common decorative theme, and auspicious wishes, for example longevity, blessings and the perpetuation of a family, were often conveyed in the pieces. In the present piece, a sense of authority and the wish for longevity is represented in the chilong that holds a lingzhi stalk in its mouth. Compare a small pink double vase carved in the form of two flowering tree trunks, sold at Christie’s London, 12^th December 1979, lot 114. For another example of a green and pink tourmaline carving see a belt buckle sold in these rooms, 8^th October 2009, lot 1803.