A White Jade 'Bat and Lingzhi' Brushwasher Qing Dynasty, 18th Century

of ovoid form, the compressed globular body resting on four small flared feet and rising to an incurved rim, one side of the rim flaring outwards forming a spout set with an outstretched bat extending across both ends of the spout, the tip of its wings interlinked with stylised phoenix carved in low relief on the exterior of the washer, the opposite side carved with a leafy sprig resting along the rim above a low-relief ruyi-shaped knot on the exterior, the adjacent sides flanked by a pair of halved floral blossoms formed with lingzhi heads, the stone of an even pale celadon tone with faint russet streaks

The brushwasher is in very good condition. The colour is slightly greener 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 quality of this stone, skilfully accentuated through the finely finished plain surfaces, perfectly complements the auspicious wishes represented through the bat and lingzhi motifs. Vessels adorned with this type of decoration were often presented as gifts on the occasion of a marriage.

Compare a brushwasher of lobed form and ringed bat handles in the Palace Museum, Beijing, published in Chinese Jades Throughout the Ages, vol. 12, Hong Kong, 1997, pl. 72. See also a similar brushwasher sold in these rooms, 8th October 2013, lot 3038.