Lot 132. A finely carved spinach-green jade 'marriage bowl', Qianlong period (1736-1795); 10 5/8 in. (27 cm.) wide across handles. Estimate GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000. Price realised GBP 62,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

The large bowl is skillfully carved with rounded sides rising from five shallow lobed feet. The thick sides are carved to the exterior in high-relief with large chrysanthemum blossoms and leafy tendrils. The bowl is flanked with two inticately carved butterfly handles suspending a loose ring, the outstretched wings and long curling antennae spanning the flattened slightly everted rim. The centre of the interior is similarly decorated with a single chrysanthemum spray with large meandering leaves. The stone is of a dark spinach-green tone with white and grey inclusions, hongmu and padauk stand.

Note: A carved spinach-green jade 'marriage bowl' with very similarly carved butterfly handles dated to the 18th Century was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 31 May 2010, lot 2088.