A LARGE WHITE JADE 'MARRIAGE' BOWL QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

finely carved with shallow rounded sides supported on four splayed ruyi feet encircling a flat base, rising to an incurved rim interrupted by a pair of phoenix-head handles, the two birds skilfully carved in openwork with a short incurved beak and spiralling eyes, their oustretched archaistic wings and elongated crest feathers resting on the bowl their body detailed with a furled leaf at the bottom projecting two curling pectoral feathers forming a loop and suspending a thick ring, the smoothly polished stone subtly highlighted with patches of russet skin, some cleverly shading snowflake inclusions on the interior of the bowl

Collection of Commander Francis P.O. Bridgeman.
Property of the late Mrs. Paul Bridgeman at Dowsdewell Manor, Andoversford, Gloucestershire (as per inventory, 28th April 1981, no. 43).
Bluett & Sons, London.

There are several minute frits to the phoenix-head handles, and to two of the ruyi feet, but overall the bowl is in good condition, The colour is fairly accurately represented in the catalogue illustration, but slightly less shiny in reality
"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 present jade vessel is exceptional for its large size and translucent evenness of tone. 'Marriage' bowls of this type were popular during the Qianlong period, which was only possible due to the quantity of high-quality jade boulders of this large size that were available during his reign. A 'marriage' bowl of this type, with the slight incurved rim, but flanked by winged dragon loop handles, was sold in these rooms, 8^th April 2010, lot 1869. Two jade brushwashers of related form, with twin boys as handles and of smaller size, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, are illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, pls. 163-64.

Often carved and decorated with a variety of auspicious motifs, jade vessels of this type were presented to offer blessings to the recipients. The phoenix is a symbol of new beginnings, thus this piece would have been befitting as a gift on the occasion of a marriage. Moreover, the ruyi feet symbolise the expression of good wishes and when this bowl is viewed from the top, the phoenix handles resemble butterflies, which are a symbol of marital bliss.