An archaistic white jade vase, hu


18th centuryThe exterior carved with taotie masks to either side below an incised geometric pattern band at the rim, the pale stone with some russet and creamy inclusions.8.7cm (3 3/8in) high
|Provenance: The Joan Barrow Collection (label)See a vessel of similar form and decoration, dated 13th-15th century, illustrated in J. Rawson et al, Chinese Jades Throughout the Ages, The Oriental Ceramic Society, London, 1975, p.98, no.313.The present lot is based on a bronze ritual wine vessel, hu, the prototypes of which appear from the Shang Dynasty (13th-12th century BC) onwards.