A FINE CHINESE WHITE JADE LIBATION CUP

18TH CENTURY

The body decorated with archaistic mythical beast masks below key fret, the spout carved as the head of a creature with its mouth open, with a further snake-like animal in relief below, the handle formed as a boy standing on swirling clouds as he clings to the rim, all raised on four ruyi-head shaped feet, with a paper label for Bluett & Sons London to the base, the pale translucent stone with some light russet inclusions, together with a wood stand, 11.2cm. (2)

Provenance: from the collection of Dennis Howarth, and thence by descent to his daughter Connie Tattersall. Purchased from Bluett & Sons on 21st May 1952 for £28. The cup was supplied to Bluett's by Dr Cheng Te-K'un.