Description: Translucent celadon jade of pure color, smooth surface finish
China, 19th century
The body elegantly carved in form of a lotus flower, surrounded by smaller lotus flowers, leaves and ears of corn, all carved in openwork and with finely incised details, the sides with a standing and a sitting crane, the plumage neatly engraved.
Cranes, or herons as they are also referred to as, play an important role in Chinese mythology. In Chinese culture, the crane is venerated as the prince of all feathered creatures and thus has a legendary status. Embodying longevity and peace, it is the second most favored bird symbol after the phoenix. Throughout the imperial times, crane motifs were used on the robes of civil officials to depict their ranks. Because of its ability to fly high and over long distances, its wings were used as an amulet for protection against exhaustion.
Shape: Lotus flower
Dimensions: Height 15 cm
Weight: 387 grams
Condition: Excellent, with some wear and traces of use only
Provenance: Dutch private collection
Auction result comparison: FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART. Christies, Hong Kong, 1 November 2004, lot 1031. (for another, similar lotus vase)
清朝青玉雕”雙鶴戲蓮”瓶
純淨半透明青玉,表面平滑磨光
中國,19世紀
玉石雕出一朵被蓮葉纏繞著,象徵高貴的蓮花,一旁立著一隻優雅的仙鶴,嘴啣荷葉,另一隻則臥在另一旁,仰頭凝望。雕工細膩,羽毛紋理清晰可見。
品相極佳
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