A FINE AND RARE JADE VASE, HU MING DYNASTY

the oval section pear-shaped body rising from a short spreading foot to a tall tapering neck with everted rim, finely carved to the front and back face with an archaistic strapwork design of interlocking chilong forming taotie masks and centred by a full faced chilong, set to either side of the neck with a lion mask handle suspending a fixed ring, the well polished pale celadon-white stone with russet inclusions

The Collection of R.H.R. Palmer, no. 187.
Bonhams London, 11th June 2003, lot 17.

The vase is in very good condition. The stone has several natural flaws which have been skilfully utilised in the overall design.
"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."

Skilfully carved in low-relief and the surface finished to a fine and even sheen, this vase represents the archaistic style that grew in popularity in jade carving during the Ming dynasty. Its form derives from the Neolithic bronze hu vessels, while the combination of decorative elements, including the taotie masks and animal-head handles, are also taken from archaic bronze motifs. For example, the intertwined dragons are reminiscent of designs found on archaic bronze wares from the Eastern Zhou dynasty, such as a facetted hu and cover, illustrated in Jenny So, Eastern Zhou Ritual Bronze from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, New York, 1995, pl. 37. These traditional motifs are juxtaposed with new designs, such as and stylised rendering of the creature with neatly combed and parted hair, to result in a highly original piece that suited the contemporary aesthetic.

Vases decorated with this design are unusual and no other closely related example appears to have been published. Compare a slightly smaller vase of similar hu shape, decorated on the body with a taotie mask, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Jade, vol. 7, Ming Dynasty, Beijing, 2011, pl. 19. A creature with similarly rendered combed hair is found on early Ming lacquerware, as seen on a box attributed to the Yongle reign, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Lacquer Wares of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, Shanghai, 2006, pl. 25.