Jade is the most important gem in Chinese civilisation. A stone of immortality, it links the celestial and terrestrial worlds, and is both a ritual medium and a symbol of power and prestige. The character for jade (玉) is very similar to that for king (王). The three horizontal lines symbolise the sky, the sovereign and the earth, linked by a vertical line. Jade is the mineral embodiment of the majesty of the "Son of Heaven".

Appreciated for its rarity, hardness and beauty, jade has been used since the Neolithic period, notably in the tombs of the Hongshang and Liangzhu cultures, in the form of ritual objects and ornaments. At the time of the Warring Kingdoms (481-221 BC), it was even consumed by the Chinese elite, who hoped to attain eternal life. This belief stems from the practice described in certain canonical books: the Immortals drank liquid jade or "immortality liquor".

Under the following dynasties, the taste for everyday jade objects gradually developed, and production diversified towards the decorative arts, particularly for scholarly objects: brush holders, water vases and bowls, paintbrushes, arm rests, etc. The archaic style, inspired by models from Antiquity, coexisted harmoniously with the artistic tastes of each dynasty. The artists left more room for their creativity, innovating in the creation of exceptional pieces, and constantly pushing back the technical limits because working with jade is laborious and delicate. The craftsmen shape it with a rope and an abrasive, before it is sculpted and polished. The theme of the piece is chosen according to the appearance of the stone, in order to achieve exceptional colour and brilliance. Lapidary art reached its apogee under the Qing dynasty, thanks to technical advances but also to the impetus of the emperor Qianlong, a great collector of ancient jades who was fascinated by this material.

Our pair of celadon jade vases bear witness to the virtuosity of Chinese lapidary craftsmen. Each element is finely sculpted to highlight the qualities of the stone. Their decoration skilfully blends archaic style, Buddhist iconography and literary themes inspired by nature.


China, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
A rare and important pair of celadon nephrite jade covered vases, of elongated form flaring to the shoulder, the foot in imitation of a quadripod base decorated with foliage and ruyi heads.
The base is decorated with figures in relief representing three Mandarin ducks frolicking among lotuses and millet stems.

For further information, please contact :
Clémentine Guyot
+33 1 47 45 00 90
guyot@aguttes.com