Page 130 - Bonhams IMages of Devotion, Hong Kong Nov 30 2022

1054
A PAIR OF JADE MOUNTED SILVER AND SILVERED
COPPER JARS
MONGOLIA, 19TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no. 4730
65.5 cm (25 3/4 in.) high, each
HKD40,000 - 60,000

蒙古 十九世紀 銀及銅鎏銀玉鈕蓋罐

Each of these jars is surmounted by a domed cover executed in latticework with
inset coral and turquoise in a technique that was favored in Mongolia between the
18th and 19th centuries. Further decorating the lower portion of the lid and ovoid
body is an array of chased, interlocking coins, ruyi-shaped feet, and an openwork
base with kirtimukha faces, depicted here as Buddhist lions, which were loosely
inspired by textile works dated to the Qing dynasty (1644-1911).

As indicated by the large, jade finials, rendered here as flaming jewels, these jars
were likely placed near a large altar, functioning as containers to diffuse incense
smoke during monastic ceremonies.

Despite the unique shape and scale of these jars, clear comparisons can be made
with a 19th-century Mongolian stupa with a similar base and lotus petal design
located below the jade finial, sold at Sotheby’s, New York, 17 September 2014,
lot 479, in addition to a pair of censers with similar stands, sold at Sotheby’s, New
York, 16 September 2017, lot 872.

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