Page 53 - Sothebys Speelman Gems of Chinese Art

fig. 3 fig. 4 fig.5
Jade ‘mallow’ cup, Ming dynasty White jade ‘boys’ brush washer, mid-Qing dynasty White jade ‘boys’ brush washer, Qing dynasty
Qing court collection Image Courtesy of Palace Museum, Beijing Image Courtesy of Palace Museum, Beijing
Image Courtesy of Palace Museum, Beijing

others plain. The highest workmanship emulates types of forms for jade washers: plant, animal,
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antiquity’ . There is a considerable number of geometric and human figure. Jade washers
large jade washers in the Qing Court collection: with the subject of human figures are the most
over 100 Ming jade washers, mostly of floral commonly found. There are two white jade boys
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form (fig. 3) . Other than that, there are figures, washers in the Palace Museum, Beijing (figs
geometrical, circular and of alm’s bowl and other 4 and 5) . The shape and face of the boys is
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forms. closely related to the current lot, but the facial
expression on the current example is more
Jade washers based on Ming prototypes in
animated. Jade washers from the Qing Dynasty
the Qing Dynasty underwent tremendous
were not really used for the practical function of
developments, especially in the Qianlong period.
washing brushes. From the Qing court records, it
After 1760, the tribute jade system from Xinjiang
is clear that the majority were placed in cabinets
and Hetian increased the supply of jades to
in different halls for decoration.
the court, and sufficient jade material laid the
foundation for the flourishing of Qianlong jade On the 26th day of the first month of the 20th
workmanship. Under these circumstances, year of the Qianlong era (1755), it is recorded
the creation of Qing jade washers reached an that the eunuch E Luoli handed in a white jade
unprecedented height. There are more than 600 kuilong – handled circular jade washer, a celadon
Qing jade washers preserved in the Beijing Palace jade album, and a zitan silver-embellished box.
Museum collection, more than from any other The Emperor requested that the box be polished,
period. Due to the complexity of creating a jade and the washer and album placed within the box
washer and the ever-changing materials, none of and inside the cabinet used for his treasured
the existing jade washers are the same. They all playthings known as Baishi jian (‘Emperor’s
have their own unique style and different shape. Playthings’). 11
The pieces are vivid, exquisite, and artistic, far
Brush washers actually used to wash pens
exceeding their mere utilitarian function.
are recorded in the Qing records as bixi. In
From Qing court records and from close 1754, a craftsman called Yao Zongren, from
observations, it can be seen that there are four

GEMS OF CHINESE ART — THE SPEELMAN COLLECTION I 51