A FINE GRAY AND WHITE JADE ‘TAOTIE’ VASE, QIANLONG PERIOD

拍品描述

A FINE GRAY AND WHITE JADE ‘TAOTIE’ VASE, QIANLONG PERIOD China, 1735-1796. Superbly carved, the flattened pear-shaped body supported on a pedestal foot and rising to a slender neck with a lipped rim, flanked by a pair of open worked handles in the form of phoenixes, the body richly carved in low relief on either side with a taotie mask formed by addorsed phoenixes and interlocking scroll designs. The softly polished translucent stone is of an elegant white tone with brownish-gray veins and patches as well as icy inclusions. Dimensions: Height 10.8 cm The elegant form of the present lot is inspired by the archaic bronze hu ritual wine vessels of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, reinterpreted by the Qing dynasty master carver into a smaller exquisite version of antiquity. This was in accordance with the Qianlong Emperor's wish to 'restore ancient ways', suggesting that jade carvers turn to antiquity for models, which would enable them to imbue their designs with simplicity and honesty, and so achieve refinement and elegance. The 'ancient ways' referred to the intrinsic values of sincerity, simplicity, and happy exuberance; see Chang Li-tuan, The Refined Taste of the Emperor: Special Exhibition of Archaic and Pictorial Jades of the Ch'ing Court, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1997, p. 49. Originally conceived as part of a three-piece garniture, vases of this type were produced together with an incense burner and an incense box, collectively forming the sanshi, literally meaning ‘Three Accessories’. Popular at the Qing court, such ensembles were intended for display on the scholar's desk or on an altar, where they combined practical and ceremonial functions. Together, the three elements formed a harmonious ensemble embodying the scholarly ideals of elegance, antiquarian taste and cultivated refinement. Literature comparison: Compare a related jade vase, 9.1 cm high, dated to the Qing dynasty, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, object number 中玉000002N000000000. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 2 December 2021, lot 218 Price: HKD 502,500 approx. EUR 61,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, manner of carving, and motifs. Note the similar size (12.9 cm) and reign mark. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 8 April 2014, lot 3162 Price: HKD 300,000 or approx. EUR 42,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely relate form, manner of carving, and motifs. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 20 March 2012, lot 273 Price: USD 37,500 or approx. EUR 47,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, manner of carving, and motifs.

图片