Lot 65. A celadon jade archaistic square-section hanging vase and cover, fangyou, Qianlong four-character incised seal mark and of the period (1736-1795); 5 5/8 in. (14.2 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 50,000 - GBP 80,000 (USD 65,350 - USD 104,560). © Christie's Images Ltd 2018.

The vase is carved in the shape of an archaic bronze fanghu, decorated to two sides with a lion mask in high relief, above the lower body which is exquisitely carved with taotiemasks. The shoulders are flanked by a pair of loop handles affixed with a swing-handle decorated with two confronting dragon-heads. The jade is of an even greenish tone with some white and russet inclusions. 

Note: The art from the period of the Qianlong emperor, as well as his two predecessors Kangxi and Yongzheng emperor, is known for its innovation and archaism, with designs and shapes inspired by ancient bronzes and jades transported into 18th century materials and techniques. The present vase is an example of that connection, its form and its decoration reminiscent of a Han-dynasty ritual bronze hu vase and the colour of the jade imitating the green patina of ancient bronze. 

Other examples of archaism in jade vessels carved during the Qianlong reign include: a white jade fanghu sold at Christie’s New York, 24 March 2011, lot 1522; a white jade hanging vase and cover decorated with archaistic phoenix sold at Christie’s Paris, 22 November 2006, lot 101; a further white jade you illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum - Jadeware III, Hong Kong, 1995, p. 186, no. 152; and a white jade you dated to the mid-Qing dynasty published in Zhongguo Yuqi Quanji 6: Qing, Shijiazhuang, 1993, p. 323, no. 246. 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, London, 6 November 2018