A PALE CELADON JADE 'DRAGON-CARP' VASE

QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

Details

A PALE CELADON JADE 'DRAGON-CARP' VASE
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)
The vase is carved as a ferocious dragon-carp rising from swirling turbulent waves, and modelled with mouth open, teeth bared and the tail elegantly curled. Its beard, mane and scales are detailed with finely incised lines. The stone is of a pale tone with minor darker inclusions
7 in. (17.8 cm.) wide, wood stand

Provenance

With John Sparks Ltd., London.
Sir Montague Burton (1885-1952).

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Lot Essay

According to traditional Chinese belief, carp swimming upstream in the Yellow River must leap the rapids of the Dragon's Gate. The first to succeed in doing this is transformed into a dragon. This legend is frequently used and regarded as a metaphor for a poor scholar who passes the civil service examinations and succeeds in high office. The dragon-carp motif is thus a wish for success in achieving this.

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