A CHINESE MOTTLED GREY JADE ARCHAISTIC VASE

MING DYNASTY

The stone with dramatic black vertical striations, the body carved in relief with taotie masks and mythical beasts divided by flanges, the sides with two small elephant masks, the flared rim with formal lappets, the foot with raised geometric designs, together with a wood stand, 12.5cm. (2)

Provenance: Christie's, London, 3rd November 1969, lot 136.

The famous Guwantu scroll in the Victoria and Albert Museum documenting the Yongzheng Emperor's treasures illustrates a number of jade vessels including a closely related vase.