A VERY RARE AND LARGE LAPIS LAZULI ARCHAISTIC BALUSTER VASE AND COVER, HU18th centuryOf flattened form supported on a pedestal foot, crisply carved in low relief with ataotie mask on each side, between a band of confrontingchilong at the neck and a border of cicada lappets at the foot, flanked by a pair of mythical beast handles suspending loose rings, the cover with a band of archaistic scrolls surmounted by a stepped finial, fitted box.32.5cm (12 3/4in) high (3).Provenance: 十八世紀 青金石饕餮紋雙獸耳蓋瓶The present vase is particularly notable for its rarity, the superb quality of carving and its exceptional size which requires a substantially large stone of lapis lazuli in order to create such an impressive vase.The vase was inspired in form by antiquity, in accordance with the Qianlong Emperor's wish to 'restore ancient ways', calling on craftsman to draw inspiration from archaic examples, enabling them to imbue their designs with simplicity and honesty, achieving refinement and elegance. The 'ancient ways' referred to the intrinsic values of sincerity, simplicity, and happy exuberance. The form is a contemporary innovation of the Han dynasty bronzehu shape.See a related example of a spinach green jade archaistic vase and cover of a similar form, which was sold at Christie's New York, 15 September 2011, lot 1014.乾隆帝尤喜在藝術性上具有慕古好雅風之器，此蓋瓶整器古樸典雅，器型靈感為清代工匠對漢代青銅壺的重新演繹。選料取大塊青金石隨形而雕，甚爲稀罕。參考一件相關的碧玉饕餮紋富貴耳蓋瓶，器型紋飾和本品頗似，2011年9月15日售於紐約佳士得，拍品1014。