Page 306 - Bonhams Chinese Art NYC Nov 9 2017

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A VERY PALE GREEN AND RUSSET JADE ‘MARRIAGE’ BOWL A LARGE SPINACH-GREEN JADE MOUNTAIN
18th century 19th century
The rounded sides finely carved in low relief with a continuous band of Well carved as a rocky mountain with pine and wutong trees, on the
archaistic patterns, the slightly-everted rim flanked by a pair of carved lower mountain terrace are two bearded sages carrying staves, slightly
mythical-beast handles, each suspending a loose ring, the stone of higher up another gentleman bows to them in greeting, on the highest
pale tone with milky-white and orange-russet inclusions. terrace stands another scholar, the reverse with a waterfall, the stone
24cm (9 1/2in) wide. of even dark-green tone with minor russet inclusions, with elaborately
carved wood stand.
£10,000 - 15,000 34.3cm (13 1/2in) high. (2).
CNY89,000 - 130,000
£30,000 - 40,000
十八世紀 青白玉帶皮仿古紋獸首銜環耳洗 CNY270,000 - 360,000

Jade vessels such as the present one, were usually decorated with a 十九世紀 碧玉高士山水山子
variety of auspicious designs and presented as gifts to commemorate
marital unions. The shape and decoration occurring on this bowl Mountains were highly regarded by the scholarly elites of Imperial
exemplifies the taste for archaistic forms particularly advocated by the China. Their high peaks and ability to produce water, the life giving
Qianlong emperor, aiming to ‘restore the ancient ways’. element, from the clouds swirling around them, were seen as
providing the closest connection with heaven. Images of hermits within
A pale green jade ‘marriage’ bowl, 18th century, carved with mythical mountains appear to have emerged in early China in connection with
beast handles but with leafy blossom sprays to the exterior, was sold times of political turmoil, such as the Six Dynasties (AD 420-589). At
in these Rooms, 17 May 2012, lot 40. later times, however, these images became increasingly associated
with the scholarly elites and their growing interest of disconnecting
from the world of contemporary affairs to find solace in nature, where
they could forge their identity as poets, painters and calligraphers.
Miniature landscapes shaped as mountains thus became a standard
feature decorating the studios of the literati elites.

Compare with a similar but slightly smaller green jade mountain,
18th/19th century, which was sold at Christie’s New York, 21-22
March 2013, lot 1395.

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
304 | BONHAMS please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue.