Page 29 - Christies May 12, 2017 Kensington
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248 PROVENANCE
A PALE CELADON JADE ‘PUMPKIN’ BOX AND COVER
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795) A private English collection.
The box and cover are modelled as a pumpkin growing from Pumpkins are associated with fertility and the wish for many
a thick gnarled stem, decorated with smaller pumpkins on descendants, as they grow on vines and have large numbers
openwork leafy branches with large curled leaves, a small bird to of seeds. That the vines and tendrils, mandai, are present is
one side, detailed with fnely incised feathers. The stone is of an particularly auspicious as it suggests a wish for numerous
even pale tone. descendants. The presence of smaller pumpkins also provides
6Ω in. (16 cm.) long a rebus for ‘ceaseless generations of sons and grandsons.’
£10,000-20,000 $13,000-25,000 清乾隆 青白玉瓜瓞綿綿蓋盒
€12,000-23,000
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