A SUPERB WHITE JADE 'RUYI' WASHER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

with shallow rounded sides sitting on five short ruyi feet, the exterior finely worked with a band of ruyi around the rim, above interlocking leafy scrolls and ruyi encircling the foot, the interior delicately decorated with stemming branches bearing a cluster of longan with two chysanthemum blooms with finely incised petals, the translucent stone of an even white colour, wood stand

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 10th April 2006, lot 1501.

A Romance with Jade: From the De An Tang Collection, Yongshougong (Palace of Eternal Longevity), Palace Museum, Beijing, 2004, cat. no. 4.

 

The overall condition is excellent with only a few expected minute nicks to the extremities, especially to the delicately worked leaves on the interior well. The translucent white stone is with some natural opaque inclusions.
"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."

This bowl is exquisitely carved from an exceptionally fine white boulder of even white colour, characteristic of the later Qianlong period. Only a few other examples of this particular shape are known, and they were generally carved out of the finest stone. Compare for example a bowl of slightly larger size decorated on the outside with diagonal motifs, sold in these rooms 21st May 1984, lot 233, and another example, similarly plain on the outside like the present washer, but with a design of fish in relief to the interior, sold in these rooms 15th November 1983, lot 352.

The elegant treatment of the flowers and wannianqing, a bouquet comprising evergreen and berries, is occasionally found on the inside of jade washers and bowls from the later Qianlong period, see for example the impressive large marriage bowl sold in Christie's Hong Kong, 26th April 2004, lot 1226.