A White Jade Cup with Chilong Handles Ming Dynasty, 17th Century

of circular section, the rounded sides supported on a short straight foot, flanked by a pair of openwork handles in the form of a chilong, their jaws and paws resting on the rim and their tails extending along the exterior of the cup, the rim incised with a key-fret border, the lustrous stone of yellowish-celadon colour mottled with icy inclusions and grey specks, wood stand

Christie's Hong Kong, 29th September 1992, lot 755 (part of a set of three).

The overall condition of the cup is quite good. The rim has some minor nibbles and a nick that has possibly been polished down. There is also a minor nick of approximately 0.5 cm. to the tail of one chilong. The colour is a tinge greyer than the catalogue photo.
"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."

For another Ming dynasty jade libation cup in the Palace Museum, Beijing. worked with 'double chilong' handles, see Zhongguo meishu fenlei quanji. Zhongguo yuqi quanji. 6. Qing, Hebei, 1991, p. 160, pl. 233.