A SPINACH-GREEN JADE 'LINGZHI, PEACH AND BAMBOO' VASE QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

fashioned in the form of a hollowed-out tree trunk issuing gnarled branches depicted in openwork bearing ripe peaches and large lingzhi blooms, the irregular surface of the vessel further decorated in relief with tall bamboo shoots growing near the base and long slender leaves extending from a short twig, the smoothly polished stone of a lustrous variegated green colour with russet inclusions and dark specks, wood stand

Collection of George de Menasce (1890-1967).
Spink & Son Ltd., London.

The Arts of the Ch’ing Dynasty, Oriental Ceramic Society, London, 1964, no. 417, pl. 130.

S. Howard Hansford, Chinese Carved Jades, London, 1968, pl. B.1, p. 35.

Good overall condition with just minute chips to the fragile extremities, some of which have been polished down.
"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."

Vases of this type, modelled in the form of tree trunks were very popular during the Qing dynasty, as their design could express a variety of auspicious messages. This piece, which is carved with peaches lingzhi and bamboo, all symbols of longevity, would have been suitable as a birthday gift.

A similar spinach-green jade vase carved with pine, lingzhi and a crane in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum, Jade, vol. 8, Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 2011, pl. 183; another was sold in our London rooms, 17th December 1996, lot 278; a third was sold at Christie’s New York, 30th March 2005, lot 112; and a further related example, was sold at Christie’s London, 6th November 2012, lot 30.