A Pair of Jade jardinieres with hardstone 'chrysanthemums', on cloisonne and champleve enamel stands. Qing dynasty

each spinach-green jade jardiniere in the shape of a small bowl supported on a straight foot, with rounded sides and everted rim, applied with five carved white jade lotus blooms along a band of incised gilt-scrolls, the interior with chrysanthemum blossoms borne on tall stems with serrated leaves, with coral, jadeite, white jade, amethyst and lapis lazuli, the five-legged gilt-bronze stands enameled with small flowers against a turquoise ground, with dark-blue, red, green and white enamels (4) - overall height 11 in., 28 cm - Estimate: 30,000—50,000 USD

Provenance : - Collection of T. Jack & Glady H. Foster (until 1995).
- Christie's New York, 21st and 22nd September 1995, lot 427.

Note : Potted landscapes of this form were produced by the middle of the 18th century and were made for the viewing pleasure of the Qing court, specifically the living quarters of the Imperial palace. Due to their multimedia nature, their production required the mastery of various artisans. They were made in areas such as Suzhou, Yangzhou and Guangzhou where the best material and crafts were employed to produce the highest quality potted landscapes. See a pair in situ illustrated in Wan Yi, et al., Life in the Forbidden City, Hong Kong, 1985, pl. 78. See another pair of spinach-green jade jardinieres with hardstone blooms, sold at Christie's New York, 3rd June 1993, lot 75 and again in the same rooms, 20th September 2005, lot 43.

The chrysanthemum represents patience and reflection, and is also a symbol of late summer and early fall.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art including Chinese and Japanese Art from The Collection of Frieda and Milton Rosenthal. 16 Sep 08. www.sotheby's.com