Chinese Jade Brush Washer with Beast Heads, 18th

清乾隆 御製白玉仿古獸頭耳活環四足洗 A Chinese jade tripod brush washer carved with 4 stylized elephant heads holding an attached ring and dating from the 18th century. The interior is carved with 5 bats and flowers, and the exterior features a band of stylized ruyi motifs. The round body is raised on four ruyi-head supports; four demi-flower-head handles are raised on four sides of the vessel, each suspended in a loose ring. The interior is crisply carved in relief with delicate flowers and a bat, while the body is carved in relief with dissolved taotie masks. The well-polished stone is of a pale celadon-white tone, flecked with dark speckles.

Dimensions are: 3 inches tall X 8 1/2 inches wide. All measurements are approximate.

Condition: It is in good condition.

Provenance: Purchased from Ashkenazie & Co, a famous San Francisco, CA Jade Gallery. Ashkenazie & Co started in 1976 and is among one of the most respected jade dealers in North America. A similar jade vessel from the Qianlong period was sold at Christie's New York March 22, 2019 lot 1759. A similar jade brush washer dating from the 18th century is illustrated in _Zhong Guo Yu Qi Quan Ji_, Vol. 6, Hebei: Hebei Fine Arts Publishing House, 1993, pl. 214 (fig. 1).

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