A WHITE JADE ARCHAISTIC VASE AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG – JIAQING PERIOD |

the flattened ovoid body rising from a splayed foot to a waisted neck, flanked by a pair of dragon-head handles issuing hoops suspending loose rings, the front and back worked in low relief each depicting a shaped ribbon-tied cartouche, enclosing a pair of confronting kui dragons with their bodies stylised into square scrolls, all framed above and below with bands of taotie masks, the domed cover similarly worked with taotie masks, surmounted by a finial in the form of a mythical beast, the stone of an even white tone with occasional milky streaks

Sotheby's London, 1st July 1969, lot 74.
Sotheby's London, 9th May 1972, lot 30.

The vase is in very good condition, with only expected insignificant nibbles along the extremities, including a small flake and a bruise to the rim of the cover.
"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."

A larger white jade vase, carved with a similar motif of confronting chilong, their bodies forming an archaistic geometric scroll, was sold at Christie's New York, 28th/29th June 1984, lot 114; and a spinach-green jade example was sold at Christie's Rome, 13th November 1973, lot 223. See also an ovoid vase carved with a related motif, included in the exhibition Jade as Sculpture, Minnesota Museum of Art, Saint Paul, 1975, cat. no. 76.