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Lot Essay
A similar champion vase with a single dragon straddling the covers instead of a pair of chilong is illustrated in Chinese Cloisonne, The Clague Collection, pl. 39 where both sides of the vase are illustrated on the front and back covers.
Other examples, without covers, are published such as the one illustrated by H. Brinker and A. Lutz, Chinese Cloisonne: The Pierre Uldry Collection, New York, 1989, pl. 208; and a large vase in the Museum of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences from Avery Collection, illustrated in Avery Collection of Ancient Chinese Cloisonne, cover and pp. 24-25, pl. 42. This vase relates to a jade example in the Victoria and Albert Museum from the Salting Collection, illustrated by J. Hartman, 'The Champion Vase - History and Symbolism', Oriental Art, vol. XX, no. 4, 1974, fig. 10 and also by S.C. Nott, Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, 1965, pl. LXXXVII. An example was sold at Christie's Paris, 22 November 2005, lot 95.
The shape of this vase is sometimes known as 'champion's vase', an appellation translated from the Chinese, ying (eagle) and xiong (bear), describing the two beasts represented, but also forming the pun on the word for 'champion' or 'hero'. Alternatively, the vessel is also known as a 'nuptial cup', hejingbei, as it is believed that during the Ming dynasty, it was used as a ritual wine vessel during the wedding ceremony. The double cylinders were filled with wine to be drunk by the bride and groom as part of the marriage rites.
Other examples, without covers, are published such as the one illustrated by H. Brinker and A. Lutz, Chinese Cloisonne: The Pierre Uldry Collection, New York, 1989, pl. 208; and a large vase in the Museum of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences from Avery Collection, illustrated in Avery Collection of Ancient Chinese Cloisonne, cover and pp. 24-25, pl. 42. This vase relates to a jade example in the Victoria and Albert Museum from the Salting Collection, illustrated by J. Hartman, 'The Champion Vase - History and Symbolism', Oriental Art, vol. XX, no. 4, 1974, fig. 10 and also by S.C. Nott, Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, 1965, pl. LXXXVII. An example was sold at Christie's Paris, 22 November 2005, lot 95.
The shape of this vase is sometimes known as 'champion's vase', an appellation translated from the Chinese, ying (eagle) and xiong (bear), describing the two beasts represented, but also forming the pun on the word for 'champion' or 'hero'. Alternatively, the vessel is also known as a 'nuptial cup', hejingbei, as it is believed that during the Ming dynasty, it was used as a ritual wine vessel during the wedding ceremony. The double cylinders were filled with wine to be drunk by the bride and groom as part of the marriage rites.