East Asia, China, Qing / Ch'ing Dynasty, Kang Hsi (also Kangxi) period, ca. 1661 to 1722 CE. A lidded vessel carved from a beautiful jade of sage and blue-green hues, the lower container carved with three avian forms - probably phoenix birds - with outspread wings in low to high relief displaying finely incised visages, feathers, and talons / claws; the lid with a register of sinuous motifs - perhaps representing billowing clouds, waves, or floral tendrils - beneath the knob - all upon a pedestal base. Looking beyond this magical iconography, the jade itself is inherently beautiful, with its rich green hues that play with the opaque white patina. While some decorative works declined during the Qing Dynasty, jade carving attained a sophisticated level of technique as exemplified by this piece. Size: 3.2" L x 3.8" in diameter (8.1 cm x 9.7 cm)

The phoenix is one of the most important symbols in Chinese art and literature, and images of the phoenix have appeared on Chinese jade and pottery pieces for more than 8000 years, with the first examples from the Hongshan Neolithic period. According to legend, the phoenix is the most beautiful of all birds, called the feng huang (also fenghuang) and the etymology of the name is derived from "emperor". The phoenix only appears during times of prosperity and peace, second only to the dragon in the Chinese pantheon of supernatural creatures. The Feng Huang also symbolizes the harmonious union of yin and yang. In both ancient and modern Chinese visual culture, phoenixes (in addition to dragons) are found in the iconographic programs of decorations and gifts for weddings and royalty. The reason for this is that the Chinese traditionally regard the dragon and the phoenix as symbolic of happy relationships between husband and wife.

Published in "Oriental Antiques & Art, An Identification and Price Guied, 2nd Edition by Mark Moran & Sandra Andacht, p. 200).

Provenance: private Owen collection, New Jersey, USA, acquired in the 1990s from a US-based dealer

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#128984

Excellent condition with areas of white burial patina.