A WHITE JADE MUGHAL-STYLE 'CHRYSANTHEMUM' CENSER AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of compressed globular form fluted to mimic the petals of a chrysanthemum, the body with four rounded handles carved in fine openwork with chrysanthemum blossoms on leafy vines, raised on a low circular foot carved in radiating rings of petals, the domed cover surmounted by a finely carved openwork disc of further chrysanthemums, the stone of a pale celadon-white with streaks of light russet, fitted wood stand (3)

Collection of Mr. Stanley Charles Nott (by repute).
Collection of Mrs. Georg Vetlesen, (1877-1958), New York (by repute).
Ashkenazie & Co., San Francisco, 1982.

Please note that this lot includes a stand, frame or other component made from a type of Chinese hardwood, which, if exported, will require a CITES permit to leave the United States. There are scattered minute flakes to the rim of the cover. Otherwise, the censer and cover are in overall good condition with some fissures to the stone, particularly to the base. Some minute nicks to the edges and extremities, as can be expected. The actual color of the stone appears to be consistent with 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Chrysanthemum-form jade vessels were first developed by artisans during the Qianlong period. The emperor had a particular fondness for chrysanthemum-decorated vessels executed in the Mughal style, and these two motifs were often paired in jade production during his reign. For another censer with a similar chrysanthemum openwork carved disc finial dated to the 18th century, see Roger Keverne, ed., Jade, London, 1995, fig. 126. The carved chrysanthemum on the underside of the foot of the present example is similar to that on a pair of dishes in the Baur Collection, illustrated in Pierre-F. Schneeberger, The Baur Collection, Chinese Jades and other Hardstones, Geneva, 1976, nos. B 6-7.