Lot 951, A yellow and 'russet-brown' jade brush washer, Late Ming-Early Qing dynasty, 17th-18th century. Estimate $80,000 – $120,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

The water vessel is carved in the irregular shape of a large lingzhi head with incurved rim, and is well carved in high relief on the base and the sides with smaller lingzhi heads borne on a gnarled, branching stem. The semi-translucent stone of yellowish tone has opaque areas of dark russet color. 5 ¾ in. (14.6 cm.) wide, wood stand, box

Provenance: Ashkenazie & Co., San Francisco, 24 July 1987.

Literature: Magic, Art and Order: Jade in Chinese Culture, Palm Springs Desert Museum, 1990, p. 120, no. 124.
Nicole De Bisscop, Chinese Jade and Scroll Paintings from the Dongxi Collection, Brussels, 1995, p. 100, no. 56.

Exhibited: Magic, Art and Order: Jade in Chinese Culture, Palm Springs Desert Museum, California, 1990, no. 124.
Chinese Jade and Scroll Paintings from the Dongxi Collection, Kredietbank Gallery, Brussels, 25 October - 17 April 1995; Kredietbank Luxembourg, 1 February - 13 April 1996, no. 56.

Note: The combination of yellow and russet-brown colored stone are particularly attractive. The artist utilized the natural stone to enhance the carving of the brush pot and to pick out the gnarled, stem and lingzhi heads. 

Christie's. DONGXI STUDIO- IMPORTANT CHINESE JADE AND HARDSTONE CARVINGS FROM A DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE COLLECTION, 17 March 2016, New York, Rockefeller Plaza