A rare and exquisite spinach green jade censer in the shape of a mythical beast
Lot-No. 210
China, Qing-dynasty (1644-1911). Carved dark green jade of an intensive and brilliant tone with characteristic black-spotted veining. Cover jar in animal-shape in the style of ancient ritual vessels (ZUN). The body as a bellied Qilin with large head and 2 horns, the mouth holding a ring handle. Both sides of the wall with dragon relief. The cover modelled as a hexagonal openwork-pavilion, surrounded by a gallery. On top a coiled dragon figure. The pagoda roof embellished with small bells. H. 23,5 cm. - The shape of the present piece is related to Qing-period elephant-carvings, carrying a vase or also a pagoda. See e.g. a green jade elephant in the coll. of the Metropolitan Museum, New York (Inv. no. 02.18.740). For jade pagoda-censers see: Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, The Lizzadro Collection, Chinese jades and other hard stone carvings, Chicago 1982, pp. 47ff.
A rare and exquisite spinach green jade censer in the shape of a mythical beast
A rare and exquisite spinach green jade censer in the shape of a mythical beast
Lot-No. 210
China, Qing-dynasty (1644-1911). Carved dark green jade of an intensive and brilliant tone with characteristic black-spotted veining. Cover jar in animal-shape in the style of ancient ritual vessels (ZUN). The body as a bellied Qilin with large head and 2 horns, the mouth holding a ring handle. Both sides of the wall with dragon relief. The cover modelled as a hexagonal openwork-pavilion, surrounded by a gallery. On top a coiled dragon figure. The pagoda roof embellished with small bells. H. 23,5 cm. - The shape of the present piece is related to Qing-period elephant-carvings, carrying a vase or also a pagoda. See e.g. a green jade elephant in the coll. of the Metropolitan Museum, New York (Inv. no. 02.18.740). For jade pagoda-censers see: Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, The Lizzadro Collection, Chinese jades and other hard stone carvings, Chicago 1982, pp. 47ff.