Lot 249. A white jade marriage bowl, Qianlong period (1736-1795); 8 ¾ in. (22.3 cm.) wide, across the handles. Estimate: £60,000 - £100,000. Price realised GBP 395,250. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019.

The elegant vessel is skilfully carved with rounded sides rising to an incurved rim and is supported on a slightly flaring foot. The rim is flanked by a pair of loose-ring openwork loop handles, each finely worked in low relief with a dragon with bulging eyes, a single horn and archaistic scroll design. The stone is of an even, semi-translucent tone.

Provenance: Formerly in a private collection in France, most of which was purchased in Paris during the 1960s and 1970s, and thence by descent to the present owner.

Note: Bowls of this type known as 'marriage' bowls were often presented as wedding gifts, as their carefully chosen auspicious decoration symbolised the joyful union of husband and wife. They were popular in the Qing dynasty, especially under the reign of the Qianlong Emperor.