Lot 1505. A spinach-green jade tripod censer and cover, Qianlong period (1736-1795); 7 in. (17.8 cm.) across handles. Estimate USD 60,000 - USD 80,000. Price realised USD 218,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011.

The censer raised on three squat legs issuing from monster masks, the demi-globular body well carved in crisp, low relief with an archaistic band of taotie masks, with a pair of loop handles suspending loose rings surmounted by dragon heads, the domed carved also carved with a taotie band below the openwork finial of a coiled dragon grasping a flaming pearl, the stone of rich green color with darker mottling, wood stand. 

Provenance: S. Marchant & Son, London.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I and Part II Including Property from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, New York, 24 March 2011