Lot 30. A rare archaistic pale green jade reticulated tripod cup, zhi, 17th-18th century; 8.8cm (3 1/2in) high. Estimate HK$ 150,000-200,000. Sold for HK$ 1,000,000 (€ 119,465). Photo: Bonhams.

Comprising three sections of openwork interlocking key-fret scrolls raised on three kneeling figures, decorated around the exterior with alternating spiral and 'S'-shaped motifs in relief, the stone of pale yellowish-green tone, wood stand.

Provenance: An English private collection and thence by descent.

The following ten jade carvings (Lots 30-39), formed part of a collection of Chinese works of art, largely assembled from the late 1950s to the early 1980s from leading Chinese art dealers in London, including most prominently Louis Joseph, Bluett's and Spink's during their peak period of activity. It is interesting to note that many of the jade carvings, some included in the selection offered in this sale and others previously sold, were acquired directly from the renowned dealer Louis Joseph who was based in fashionable Knightsbridge in London. Louis Joseph dealt as noted in his invoices in 'Old Furniture & Clocks, Jade & Ivory Carvings and Oriental Rugs'.

The jade carvings were collected during a period when the finest of Chinese ceramics and works of art were available due to the demise of the Qing dynasty that instigated the sale of objects from prominent Chinese and Manchu families and the dispersal of prominent first and second generation Western collections of Chinese art formed during the first half 20th century.

These pieces have adorned the family home and have been admired by three generations. It is now the hope of the family that others may partake in the pleasure of collecting and cherishing them.

Note: The present lot with its intricate openwork interlocking sections is a masterful achievement of jade craftsmanship. In form it is inspired by Han dynasty jade cups; see for example a yellowish-green jade cup, zhi, Western Han dynasty, from Xuzhou Museum, Jiangsu Province, illustrated by J.C.S.Lin, ed., The Search for Immortality: Tomb Treasures of Han China, Cambridge, 2012, pl.58. The Qing jade craftsman adeptly carving the openwork sections, has elevated the cup from an ordinary utilitarian container to an extraordinary work of art to be handled and admired for its ingenuity.

Compare a reticulated jade incense holder, Qing dynasty, from the Qing Court Collection, with similar interlocking geometric sections carved in low relief with gui dragons, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Jadeware (II), p.41, pl.33; for another related interlocking pale green jade vessel, (attributed to the Yuan-Ming dynasty), see the Bluett & Sons, London catalogue by Wu Hung and B.Morgan, Chinese Jades from the Mu-Fei Collection, London, 1990, no.60. 

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 4 Jun 2015 10:30 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY