Lot 29. A white jade archaistic phoenix vase and cover, Qianlong period (1736-1795). Estimate GBP 80,000 - GBP 120,000. Price realised GBP 100,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017.

The vessel is carved and pierced as a phoenix with its wings closed with upswept tips, its tail is finely modelled with long feathers curling outwards. The bird carries an openwork floral branch in its beak and supports an archaistic wine vessel,guang, on its back. The vessel is finely incised with c-scrolls and upright lappets, the cover is decorated with a twin knob finial and a row of flanges down the central axis. The jade is of an even pale tone. 8 ¼ in. (21 cm.) wide, wood stand.

Provenance: With Bulgari, Rome.