A PALE GREEN JADE 'CHILONG' WATERPOT
Qianlong
Carved in circular form with its well-hollowed interior forming the vessel, the exterior carved in high relief with three sinuous chilong clambering over the shoulder, the stone of white tone with some cloudy inclusions. 6.7cm (2 5/8in) diam.
Footnotes:
清乾隆 白玉螭龍水盂

Provenance: an English private collection

來源：英國私人收藏

The present lot's incorporation of archaistic chilong motifs reflects the Qianlong Emperor's deep reverence for traditional Chinese culture and history. By evoking the imagery of ancient China, particularly from the Zhou and Shang dynasties, the emperor sought to convey a sense of Imperial authority and cultural continuity. Compare with a related green jade washer with design of three 'chilong', Qianlong, illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum, Beijing, 2011, p.238, pl.188.

See also a similar pale green jade chilong waterpot, Qing dynasty, which was sold at Bonhams London, 13 May 2010, lot 119. See an earlier prototype of a jade waterpot with three chilong, but Ming dynasty, which was sold at Bonhams London, 11 May 2021, lot 130. See also a related yellow jade chilong waterpot, 18th century, which was sold at Sotheby's New York, 'Chinese Art From the Metropolitan Museum of Art: The Florence and Herbert Irving Gift', 10 September 2019, lot 1.
Saleroom notices:
Please note the estimates are £4000-£6000 and not as stated in the catalogue

In good overall condition; very minor stone flaws and minute nicks to the extremities.