Page 156 - Bonhams Fine Chinese Art London Nov. 2019

119 Y
A FINE WHITE AND RUSSET JADE VASE AND COVER
18th century
The deftly-hollowed vase of square baluster form, intricately carved
around the exterior in low relief with archaistic taotie-masks between
a border of florets and ruyi-shaped plantain leaves, the neck flanked
by a pair of elephant-head loop handles, with stepped cover beneath
a square finial, the flaring foot beside craggy rocks issuing young
bamboo and blossoming chrysanthemums cleverly highlighted in
russet, the stone of pale white tone, wood stand, box.
12.8cm (5in) high (4).

£8,000 - 12,000
CNY71,000 - 110,000

十八世紀 白玉帶皮仿古紋雙耳蓋瓶

The present lot is rich in auspicious symbolism. The elephant handles Originating in the Han dynasty, it marks the day when Chinese families
for example, together with the vase form a rebus. The ‘vase’ (ping gather to pay respect to their departed ancestors. It was customary
瓶) which puns with ‘peace’ (ping 平), and elephant (xiang 象) which to climb a high mountain, drink chrysanthemum wine and visit the
also means ‘sign’ or ‘portent’, forms a rebus for the phrase taiping ancestral grave while praying for long life.
youxiang (太平有象), meaning ‘Where there is peace, there is a sign
(or elephant)’. The archaistic taotie-mask patterns on the exterior also reflect the 18th
century and specifically the Qianlong emperor’s fascination and taste
The chrysanthemums carved on the side of the vase are also laden for antiquity. Compare with a related green jade vase with rocks and
with meaning. They are closely associated with Autumn and the flowers, Qing dynasty, illustrated in the Compendium of Collections in
hermetic poet Tao Qian (365-427 AD). After leaving office to avoid the Palace Museum: Jade, 10, Beijing, 2011, p.65, no.38.
the troubles of the mundane world, Tao Qian returned to his rustic
estate and planted chrysanthemums. Since then, the chrysanthemum Compare also with a related but larger pale green jade vase and
has come to symbolise the literatus ideal of tranquil solitude in one’s cover, Qianlong, which was sold at Sotheby’s London, 8 November
Autumn years. Chrysanthemums are also closely associated with the 2017, lot 22.
‘Double Ninth’ festival (occurring on the ninth day of the ninth month).

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