A very rare white jade 'double crane' censer and cover, 19th century
A very rare white jade 'double crane' censer and cover, 19th century. photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2012
The censer is delicately carved in the form of two conjoined cranes. On one side the crane has its head lowered and is holding a lingzhi in its beak. On the other side, the crane has its head held aloft, and is holding a chain in its beak. The chain is linked to the openwork cover, which is carved in the form of entwined lingzhi heads. Either side is carved with a further cluster oflingzh heads, forming the handles and supporting loose rings. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm.) high. Lot 178. Estimate £300,000 - £500,000
Literature: Jades of the T. B. Walker Collection at The Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Minnesota, 1952, pl. 88, where the vase was dated to the 18th/19th century.
Exhibited: Jades of the T. B. Walker Collection at The Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1952.