A Chinese carved jadeite Guanyin censer

19th century

The lid featuring a winged yinglong with flaming pearl finial with three beast heads biting jade rings. Censer with carved figure of Guanyin and a child, dual beast-biting-ring handles, and taotie masks, with flanged tripod claw feet.

H: 7 1/2, W: 7 1/8, D: 5 3/4 in.

H: 19.05, W: 18.1, D: 14.6 cm.

Provenance: Private collection, Massachusetts.

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This is an exquisitely carved jade censer with intricate details embedded throughout. The masterful craftsmanship begins in the lid, decorated with a dragon-form finial and three dragon-form rings. The body of the censer has a flat shoulder, a round belly, and fierce double beast-form handles on either side. The central body is carved with a Guanyin figure accompanied by a servant boy. The censer rests on three beast-form feet, which are connected by a rope-like design. The jadeite used is of the highest quality, boasting a strong glassy luster, a rich yellow-green coloration, and cotton-like textures. This censer was made during the late Qing Dynasty, a period when the use of jade reached its pinnacle of craftsmanship and artistry. Its lavish design and high-quality craftsmanship establish it as a rare and valuable treasure. References: Christie's, Hong Kong, November 2012, lot 2344 and lot 3287.

此爐爐蓋雕應龍鈕及三龍首活環，爐身盤口，平肩，圓腹，兩側鏤刻雙獸耳銜活環，兇猛非凡。爐身中間雕觀音，邊上童子相隨。爐下承三獸足，三足由繩紋環相連接。此香爐造型大氣，製作規整細致，由整塊翡翠料雕琢而成，費工費料，如此奢華，應出自造辦處之手。老坑翡翠料，玻璃光感強，微透，內見棉柳紋理，顏色黃綠相間，毫無悶灰之色，為一等油青種翡翠。清代中期、晚期是引進翡翠數量、翡翠工藝達到巔峰的歷史時期，在選料和工藝上竭盡最佳，其富貴榮華之感後人不能比擬，實為難得。

佳士得拍賣2012年11月香港拍賣，編號2344；佳士得拍賣2011年11月香港拍賣-編號-3287