Qing Dynasty Jade Bowl
Qianlong Period (1736-1795)
Circa 1750
A Deep Green Nephrite Jade Bowl of Central Asian Design with Concentric Footring
Thickwalled for ritual or practical use, this nephrite bowl was ground from highly translucent spinach jade. Superior diaphaneity in the stone reveals sweeping stratigraphic figuring with crystalline inclusions, absent the fracture-prone fissures often found in even the finest jade bowls (ground-out from boulders, ancient methods confounded anticipation of internal flaws).
Likely too large for intent as a tea ceremony drinking vessel, this bowl may have played a preparatory role, or functioned as an apothecary mortar for mixing medicinal herbs (for a Qianlong nephrite bowl of similar utilitarian intent, see Sotheby's, Paris, 2022, Lot 17).
With a smooth patina of age, and historic pitting from the archaic hand-ground method of construction, the bowl's history is written in its surface. No loss, damage, or repairs: the jade rings brightly with a tap. With heft beyond the merely decorative, it has endured centuries in its present state.
Unmarked.
Many otherwise desirable jade bowls are marred by apocryphal marks carved by the original craftsmen or added by unscrupulous dealers to enhance resale value (almost invariably having the opposite effect). Conversely, this bowl has been kept safe in a single family collection for over 100 years.
Spared any modifications, this circa 275 year-old jade bowl is resplendent in its true form.
Diameter: ~7.6”
Qing Dynasty Jade Bowl
Qianlong Period (1736-1795)
Circa 1750
A Deep Green Nephrite Jade Bowl of Central Asian Design with Concentric Footring
Thickwalled for ritual or practical use, this nephrite bowl was ground from highly translucent spinach jade. Superior diaphaneity in the stone reveals sweeping stratigraphic figuring with crystalline inclusions, absent the fracture-prone fissures often found in even the finest jade bowls (ground-out from boulders, ancient methods confounded anticipation of internal flaws).
Likely too large for intent as a tea ceremony drinking vessel, this bowl may have played a preparatory role, or functioned as an apothecary mortar for mixing medicinal herbs (for a Qianlong nephrite bowl of similar utilitarian intent, see Sotheby's, Paris, 2022, Lot 17).
With a smooth patina of age, and historic pitting from the archaic hand-ground method of construction, the bowl's history is written in its surface. No loss, damage, or repairs: the jade rings brightly with a tap. With heft beyond the merely decorative, it has endured centuries in its present state.
Unmarked.
Many otherwise desirable jade bowls are marred by apocryphal marks carved by the original craftsmen or added by unscrupulous dealers to enhance resale value (almost invariably having the opposite effect). Conversely, this bowl has been kept safe in a single family collection for over 100 years.
Spared any modifications, this circa 275 year-old jade bowl is resplendent in its true form.
Diameter: ~7.6”
