A very rare celadon jade vessel 'Dui'. China, Ming-dynasty (1368-1644) or earlier. Photo Auktionshaus Stahl

Carved green brownish jade. Exceptional large and spheric vessel with cover in characteristic shape. The cover and the lower part each with 2 ring-handles and 3 plastical pommels in the shape of mythical beasts. At the wall a relief with spiral decoration and a central radial reserve with Chilong dragons.At the cover 6 additional sections in fretwork. H. 19,5 cm, diam. 25 cm. Estimation : 4 000 €

Provenance.: Rare Chinese Bronzes and Works of Art from an important private collection in France (Lot 700 - 721).
The following group of bronzes, ceramics and jade objects are part of an old noble collection in Southern France. The collection has been assembled since the 19th cent. By an art-minded entrepreneur and has been in the estate of the family by descent ever since. The family kept manifold private and commercial relations to China and was able to build up an exquisite and important collection. A selection of these marvelous objects is now being offered and is available to the global art market for the very first time. The objects demonstrate the fascination for Chinese and Asian Art and the collecting passion of an intellectual gentleman and connoisseur.

Auktionshaus Stahl.  Samedi 23 février 2013. Graumannsweg 54 - 22087 Hamburg. Tel. +49 (0) 40 34 34 71