A WELL-CARVED SPINACH GREEN JADE TRIPOD SHALLOW BOWL

PROPERTY FROM A MIDWESTERN COLLECTION

Details

A WELL-CARVED SPINACH GREEN JADE TRIPOD SHALLOW BOWL
18TH CENTURY

Raised on three petal-lobed feet, the flaring sides similarly carved as barbed and lobed petals rising to a flat rim interrupted by a pair of large peony blossom handles, each flanked by a pair of bats and suspending a loose ring, the interior carved in high relief with a roundel formed by a leafy, scrolling stem of lily blossoms and buds intertwined with lingzhi fungus and incorporating a bat, which with the four bats on the handles forms the wu fu, the stone of soft moss green tone infused with fine black and some opaque buff mottling 12½in. (31.7cm.) across handles

Lot Essay

Bowls of this type were often given as gifts on special occasions, such as a wedding or birthday. The combination of decoration of these bowls usually formed a rebus appropriate to the event, and the various motifs on this bowl all have different meanings. The five bats, wu fu, represent the Five Blessings, old age, wealth, health, love or virtue, and a peaceful death. The lingzhi fungus symbolizes a wish for longevity and all one's wishes coming true. The day lily, xuancao, which is also an auspicious plant in China, is often used to honor one's mother, xuan being a metaphor for mother. Based on these motifs, the bowl was most likely a gift in honor of a woman's birthday, wishing her long life and the fulfillment of all her wishes