Page 42 - Fine Chinese Art Christies London May 2018

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A RARE WHITE JADE “THREE FRIENDS OF WINTER” EWER AND
COVER
18TH CENTURY
The vessel is of a fattened rectangular form. One side is delicately incised with
prunus and the other with a gnarled pine tree and bamboo. It has an elegant
scroll handle, upright spout and tall, domed cover. The stone is of an even tone.
5æ in. (14.5 cm.) high
£60,000-80,000 $85,000-110,000
€69,000-92,000

This ewer is notable for its elegantly carved handle and the artistry of the
skillfully worked pine tree, prunus and bamboo design known collectively as
the “Three Friends of Winter”. This auspicious design is thought to represent
the traditional scholar virtues of fortitude and uprightness in adversity as
the pine and bamboo are evergreen and the prunus is the frst to bloom each
spring. Compare with a slightly larger white jade ewer and cover (18 cm. high )
sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1 December 2010, lot 3249.
清十八世紀 白玉歲寒三友紋蓋壺

40 Other fees apply in addition to the hammer price – see Section D of our Conditions of Sale at the back of this Catalogue