260 - Jade vase, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, China

Jade vase, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, China Carved and finely chiseled jade. Measures: 20 cm. This vessel, with its slender, sculpted silhouette, is crafted from light green celadon jade, slightly translucent, whose purity and homogeneity demonstrate a careful selection of the material. The body is structured in two subtly differentiated sections, defined by a slight molding, displaying a relief ornamental repertoire of vegetal scrolls and stylized foliage that unfold harmoniously across the polished surface. The openwork, elegantly curved side handles take the form of symmetrical arabesques, seamlessly integrating into the vessel's profile and reinforcing its verticality. The wider, bulbous lower body features a centered floral composition with sinuous and balanced lines, while the narrower neck maintains the continuity of the decorative style. The lid, crowned by a sculpted spherical knob, repeats the floral motif in relief, completing the piece with formal coherence. The meticulous polishing intensifies the jade's soft translucency and enhances the celadon's nuances, creating delicate plays of light on the carved volumes. The quality of the carving, the precision of the openwork, and the refined ornamental execution are fully in keeping with the lapidary tradition of the Qing Dynasty, a period in which jade work reached remarkable levels of technical virtuosity and aesthetic sophistication. The piece stands out for its compositional balance, formal elegance, and high level of finish, qualities that underscore its significance within 19th-century Oriental art.