Extraordinary, Chinese Qing Dynasty Large carved dragon relief lidded nephrite jade vase. The finest jade expertly carved in compressed large vase, tall and globular shape, with bulbous central body, gentle upward to slight flaring opening rim, wide prominent neck with correspondence dome lid reverse bowl lotus form finial, raised from rounded sides over a wide cavetto Inner flange circumscribed around the containers lip allows for a perfect fitment of the covering, emerged two archaic dragon sprig flanked from neck to shoulder with each suspending the free rings, raised in a short round foot base and slight concave. The Exterior carved with five claws imperial dragon soaring amidst flames and vapors, with face and upper right appendage outstretched toward the heavens. Vigorous dragons chasing flaming pearl amidst flames against cobalt blue color scrolling cumulus clouds. The backdrop depicts swirling wind and fire painted atop a beautiful white under glaze. Dragon is the symbol of the Emperor, the Son of Heaven, eternity, Yang and Yin, male vigor and fecundity,the Li-shui wave pattern which is known to be the abode of dragons. The dragon is also the most important of the four super natural creatures in Chinese mythology, ranked with the Phoenix, the Qilin, and the Tortoise. The dragon is also the symbol of the month March, of Spring and of rebirth and fertility for it brings the rain bearing clouds of spring. When shown with the heavenly pearl, sometimes ball, it represents thunder and the storm. Emblem of vigilance and safety, and frequently associated with the idea of joy. Well balanced with finely polished plain side and foot base. The nephrite stone has flawless translucent and perfect even-toned light clean white color jade. The art work shows masterly craftsmanship, smooth carving, gently and finely polished. Nephrite jade displays attractive pale-celadon in color, clean even tone, beautiful translucent with moist milky appearance. A portion of this high-grade white Jade is considered quite rare. Expert workmanship is the absolute highlight of this gorgeous vase. The jade is extremely well carved giving it an aura of splendor. The Nephrite Jade has a lustrous tone, with pale-celadon iridescent and attractive sporadic golden russet inclusions, exquisite and detail, the jade stone have clean tone, with pale-celadon iridescent and moist milky appearance. Note, Jade, as a stone, has five virtues. Its glossiness and warmth is like benevolence. Because inside and outside is the same, so that knowing the outside one knows the inside, this may be likened to righteousness. Its far-reaching sound (when struck) may be heard from afar, like wisdom. It is not easily bent, but can be broken, which may be likened to courage. Jade can be sharpened, but not to the point where it can injure people, this quality is like self-regulation or restraint. Dimensions: Height: 286mm Width:159mm Weight:2412g LOT NOTES: Jade is precious not because it is rare, but because the quality of jade corresponds to virtue. It relates to such virtues as benevolence, wisdom, righteousness, propriety, loyalty, and trustworthiness, and it also corresponds to the ways of the heaven and earth. Jade is mild and gentle, just like a benevolence. Jade has a fine texture yet it is solid, just like a wise person; with a careful, meticulous and thorough way of handling things. Though jade has edges and corners, it is not sharp and will not hurt others, resembling a sense of justice and uprightness. When the jade is hung, it symbolizes polite restraint and prudence. When it is struck, it releases a clear and spirited sound like music. Though jade is beautiful, blemishes do not obscure its merits. Just like loyalty, it is without bias and without the need to conceal. In addition, the color of jade can be seen from all angles. Just like trustworthiness, a person's behavior is consistent with words. Even in a darkened room, a person is trustworthy and does not cheat others. Jade is crystal like, glittering and translucent as a white rainbow, like the white clouds of heaven, which harmonize the heavens and correspond to heavenly principles. The spirit of the jade can be seen in the landscape, like ‘when jade lies in a deep pool, it makes the river enchanting. When jade rests on the mountain, the grass becomes luxuriant.’ Wherever located, it is bound to have an effect, just like a noble demeanor can harmonize many things and benefit the whole region. People everywhere cherish jade, which is because people respect and admire virtue. The noble virtues are the manifestation of heavenly principles.”