Remarkably luminous Hetian Archaistic Vase with lid. The flattened, tapering body is meticulously carved in low relief on the two main sides with an archaistic inscription on one side with a plum blossom carved on the other with russet suffusions. The neck of the vase is adorned with scroll-like flanges. This stone is semi-translucent and beautifully even in color and displayed on a carved wooden stand featuring bamboo foliage. A rare find. Vases of archaic bronze form fashioned from the finest white nephrite represent the pinnacle of quality in the Qian Long period. Archaism was highly fashionable at the Imperial court, encouraging artisans to utilize archaic motifs such as the 'taotie' mask in the decoration of vessels. Hight 9" Width 4.5" Length 2"