Lot 15. A rare spinach-green jade archaistic vase, fang hu, Qianlong-Jiaqing period (1736-1820); 24.8cm (9 3/4in) high. Estimate HK$60,000 - 80,000 (€6,900 - 9,200). Sold for HK$ 437,500 (€ 52,274). Photo: Bonhams. 

The vase of bulbous square section raised on a tall spreading foot, boldly carved on each side of the body with a large taotie mask, below a wide band of pendent leaves, with stylised mask handles suspending loose rings on the neck, the stone of an even deep green tone, carved wood stand (2).

Provenance: Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, acquired in 1966 by the father of the present owner
A distinguished English private collection

Note: The present lot with its archaic bronze inspired fang hu form and design of taotie mask on the main border embodies the artistic and historical preoccupations of the Qianlong period, reflecting the emperor's concerns with drawing moral strength and righteousness from the examples of the ancients. 

Compare a related archaistic spinach-green jade hu, Qianlong fang gu mark and of the period, from the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Jade 10, Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 2010, pl.6. See also a related spinach-green jade hu vase and cover, Jiaqing fang gu mark and period, from the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, pl.150. 

Bonhams. AUCTION 23347: FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 10:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY