Lot 260. A fine and large pale celadon jade vase and cover, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736-1795); height 11 in., 27.9 cm. Estimate 250,000 — 300,000 USD. Lot sold 926,500 USD to an Asian Private. Photo: Sotheby's.

of rectangular section, the body of slightly tapered form rising from a low splayed foot, the sides finely carved in low-relief with a central hibiscus flower within intricately formed leafy panels below a pair of shuang xi('double happiness') characters on the waisted neck set with a pair of elaborately carved dragon-mask handles suspending loose rings, the domed cover similarly decorated with a finely carved leafy design below a pointed knob finial, the stone translucent and of even white tone with a tinge of pale celadon (2).

Provenance: A Midwest Institution.
R. Norris Shreve Collection.
Sotheby's New York, 31st May and 1st June 1994, lot 52.

Note: The floral elements on this vase evoke the elaborate and complex designs found on Indian Mughal jades which were popular at the Qing court particularly during the reign of the Qianlong emperor when they first reached the court as items of trade or tribute. Revered by the emperor for their color, extreme thinness and designs, many jade pieces of this period embrace design elements associated with Mughal jades, such as the hibiscus flower and the wispy tendrils of the surrounding foliate frame on this vase, and combine them with Chinese elements such as the shuang xi characters. Compare a vase of similar color, shape and design sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30th October 2001, lot 712.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 16 Sep 09. New York.