vessel BM-2022-3034.235

Period:Unknown Production date:18thC
Materials:jade
Technique:

Dimensions:Height: 10.40 centimetres Width: 5.80 centimetres

Description:
Fine white jade covered vessel.
IMG


Comments:This covered box owes its shape and decoration to the archaic bronze ritual vessel known as fang yi, or “rectangular -section” vessel. The rectangular cross-section and the flat sides that slope outwards slightly, so that the lip is larger than the base, give a very formal impression. In the lower part of each side is a U-shaped hole, a feature also found on the bronze prototype. Above these holes are three raised lines of a type common on bronze. A band of design around the neck is enclosed by relief lines that are slightly wider than those near the foot. The motif on each side consists of a stylised eye, with scrolls spiralling from it, one from the top, the other from below, suggesting a whirling element. The lid is slightly domed and has a trapezoidal knob. On the underside is a four-character Qianlong reign (1736-1795) mark: Qianlong nianzhi. 乾龍年制 mark and period of Qianlong. See Rawson 1995, p.399, cat.no.29.12, and Ip Yee 1983.