A BROWN AND BLACK JADE ARCHAISTIC JADE VESSEL, GONG MING DYNASTY

the deep sides extended to a flared spout, carved to one side in openwork with two chilong peering over the rim forming the handle, all supported on a tall ribbed foot, the exterior decorated in low relief with archaistic roundels reserved on a wide band of interlocking cloud scrolls, incised at the rim with a foliate scroll and the foot with a chevron band, the stone of a beige-brown tone with darker russet and black inclusions

The ewer is in good condition with the exception of a natural flaw running through the spout with associated minor loss and polish to a circa 6mm., wide area of the rim. It should be noted that the stone is of a slightly darker russet-brown tone than the cataologue 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."

The form of this vessel was inspired by archetypal bronze ritual wine vessels, gong, which originated in the second phase of the Anyang period (1300-1028 BC). Jade vessels of this type, with similarly modelled chilong handles, include one included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1975, cat no. 311; another, of more elongated form, in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, published in James C. S. Lin, The Immortal Stone. Chinese Jades from the Neolithic Period to the Twentieth Century, Cambridge, 2009, pl. 64; and a third example illustrated in Tianjin shi yishu bowuyuan cang. Yu [Jade in the Tianjin City Art Museum], Tianjin, 1993, pl. 183.

Jade gong are known in a variety of forms and decorated with a range of archaistic designs; for example see one with a raised horizontal band divided by vertical flanges, in the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Honolulu, illustrated in Qin Xiaoyi, Hai-wai Yi-Chen. Chinese Art in Overseas Collections. Jade II, Taipei, 1992, pl. 190.