Adam's FINE ASIAN ART November 18 2024

452 409 A CELADON JADE INCENSE BURNER AND COVER 19世纪青玉饕餮紋龙耳蓋爐 China, 19th century Carved with openwork archaistic dragon handles and shallow relief taotie masks on an incised key-pattern ground, the fitted domed cover carved with a coiled dragon-form finial. H.8.6cm Note This 19th-century celadon jade incense burner exemplifies the exceptional artistry of Qing dynasty craftsmen, seamlessly blending contemporary elegance with ancient motifs. Drawing inspiration from the Song tradition of reinterpreting large archaic ritual bronzes into more refined and compact jade vessels, this piece features the iconic taotie design, a nod toChina’s rich antiquity. The taotie—amythical, mask-like creature often seenon ancient bronzes—has been meticulously carved into the jade, maintaining a balance of subtlety and sophistication. This trend toward archaistic designs was driven by the Qianlong Emperor, who sought to counter the more elaborate, highly ornamental jade carvings of the 18th century. Under his patronage, artisans were encouraged to study the Pal- ace’s collection of ancient bronze vessels and adapt their forms and motifs to jade, thus preserving a timeless sense of heritage. The proportions of this burner, its gentle curves, and the delicate celadon hue reflect the innate harmony between form and material. Each aspect of the design, from the placement of the handles to the intricate carvings, was in- fluenced by the natural characteristics of the jade itself. The result is a masterful fusion of ancient tradition and Qing innovation, encapsulating the refined aesthetic and reverence for history that defined this period. € 10,000 - 12,000