A rare large mottled grey jade rhyton. 17th century

A rare large mottled grey jade rhyton. 17th century. Photo Christies Ltd 2011

The well-hollowed vessel terminating in a ferocious dragon head, supported on the horns of the beast, the sides with a clambering chilong, the body finely carved in shallow relief with cloud scrolls, the stone of an attractive greenish-grey tone with lighter inclusions; 9½ in. (24 cm.) high. Estimate £25,000 - £35,000 ($41,775 - $58,485)

Notes: This style of rhyton with the cup held in the mouth of a dragon belongs to a distinct group of jade carvings. The spiral-shaped body of the dragon, the smaller clambering chilong and the archaistic scroll decoration are common features of these jades. Compare with a mid-Ming example in the British Museum, illustrated by J. Rawson, Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1995, p. 396, no. 29:8, where the author refers to the Han dynasty predecessor for this style of rhyton. Cf. another similar Ming dynasty rhyton from the Muse Guimet included in the O. C. S. Exhibition of Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages, London, 1975, illustrated in the Catalogue, no. 308.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art , 10 May 2011. London, King Street www.christies.com