A PALE CELADON JADE ‘TULU’ VESSEL AND COVER, CHINA, QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

Expert’s note: The jade is of remarkably even pale celadon tone, suffused with cloudy-white inclusions, a minute russet patch, and scattered tiny dark specks. It displays an excellent, well-preserved polish, as expected, imparting an unctuous and silky-smooth surface throughout.

The vessel is carved with a rectangular body and columnar corners rising from four waisted feet. The body is decorated with a band of interlocking serpentine dragons above a further band of taotie masks framed by lappet bands, with a pair of dragon-head handles bearing loose rings to the sides.

The cover is surmounted by a pierced coiled dragon finial, surrounded by four further coiled chilong medallions to the corners.

The Zitan stand is original to the piece and dates from the same period. It is delicately carved and pierced in openwork to the sides with scrolling vines, and decorated to the top in low relief with a lotus blossom amid scrollwork. (3)

Provenance: From an old private collection in Paris, France, kept in the same family over several generations.
Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear and very little minuscule nibbling.
Important notice: Please note that the Zitan stand can only be shipped within the European Union.

Weight: 682 g (incl. stand)
Dimensions: Height 13.1 cm (excl. stand), 16.6 cm (incl. stand)

This type of vessel is carved in imitation of an archaic bronze form originally used as a container for artists’ materials. Colored pigments were stored in the tubular compartments at each corner, separated by wooden dividers, while the central compartment held a saucer and water for mixing colors. For a discussion of the bronze prototypes, see Cheng Te Kun, The T’u-Lu Colour-Container of the Shang–Chou Period, B.M.F.E.A., no. 37, 1965, p. 239-249, pls. 1-6, which also illustrates examples in jade, marble, and pottery.

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related pale celadon jade vessel and cover, tulu, dated Qianlong period, 13.3 cm tall, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, reference number 故玉005830N000000000. Compare a closely related pale celadon jade vessel and cover, tulu, dated Qing dynasty, 12.5 cm tall, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, reference number 故00098790.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s London, 15 May 2012, lot 198
Price: GBP 193,250 or approx. EUR 325,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A pale celadon jade archaistic vessel and cover, tulu, Qianlong period
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, motifs, manner of carving, stone, and size (14 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s Paris, 10 December 2020, lot 188
Price: EUR 275,000 or approx. EUR 318,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A white jade archaistic quadripod censer and cover, tulu, China, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, motifs, manner of carving, stone, and size (12.5 cm).

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