Lot 4276. A fine and rare carved jadeite archaistic wine cup, jue, late Qing dynasty-early 20th century, 6 3/8 in. (16.4 cm.) high. Estimate HKD 1,800,000 - HKD 2,200,000. Price realised HKD 9,020,000 © Christie's Images Ltd 2012

The vessel has a wide cupped mouth flanked by two posts in the form of a loop hanging ruyi-cloud shaped loose rings. It is set with a double archaistic dragon handle on the wide side and an mythical-beast head handle hanging loose ring on the narrow side. Intricately carved in low relief around the body are two taotie masks linked with stylised dragons. The vessel is raised on three splayed pointed feet. The translucent stone has a pale green tone with bright apple-green inclusions, Japanese wood box.  

Provenance: A Japanese private collection, acquired in the 1920s 

Note: Originally a bronze form, the jue is said to have been used during the bronze age for heating alcohol over a fire; with the post-like handles on the rim functioning as supports for lifting the vessel full of warmed liquid away from the heat. Such vessels were often dedicated for temple use as altar vessels and were elaborately cast with archaic designs.