A RARE YELLOW JADE RHYTON LATE MING DYNASTY

the translucent greenish-yellow stone worked in the form of a flattered tapered vessel with an undulating rim, the exterior carved in low relief with a chilong clambering sinuously through a dense network of stylised cloud swirls, one side carved with a handle in the form of a further sinuous chilong, the well-fitted cover similarly carved in relief with a chilong clambering through stylised cloud scrolls, the protruding mythical beast’s head prominently pronounced against the ground of clouds, the stone of a greenish-yellow colour with faint russet inclusions, wood stand

The rhyton is in overall good condition. There is a bruise to the surface of the rhyton near the rim. There are also minute nicks to the extremities as can be expected, including the tip of the nose and mane of the chilong on the handle. There are also areas that may have been polished to the cover near the rim. The actual colour of the stone is a darker green-yellow than in 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."

Jade vessels of rhyton form have been recorded since antiquity. For a jade rhyton excavated from the tomb of the King of Nanyue, dating to circa 122 BC, see Peter Lam, Jades from the Tomb of the King of Nanyue, Hong Kong, 1991, cat. no. D44. 

From the Song to the Qing dynasties, the rhyton continued to develop and evolve in form, with the monster head base introduced as a decorative element to provide a visual explanation for the twisted handle. Other rare examples  in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, are illustrated by Lefebvre d'Argencé, pl. XXXVII. See also a Song Dynasty rhyton exhibited in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London in 1975, illustrated in Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, London, 1975, cat. no. 277. 

Compare also an example in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in The Refined Taste of the Emperor. Special Exhibition of Archaic and Pictorial Jades of the Ch'ing Court, Taipei, 1997, cat. no. 34.