A WHITE JADE ‘TAOTIE MASK’ JOYSTICK HOLDER OF ARCHAISTIC GU SHAPE CHINA, QING DYNASTY Of archaistic ghu shape. It rests on a short spread foot and has an elongated egg-shaped body surmounted by a trumpet neck flanked by two foliate open-worked handles. It is finely carved in low relief with taotié masks, stylized banana leaves and friezes of keyfrets. The inner part is well hollowed. The polish is sweet and delicate. H: 10,2 cm Weight: 175,5 grams Provenance: - a private collection; - formerly in a Pennsylvania private collection, USA (by repute). Note: A vase can represent the meaning of ‘peace’ or ‘safety’ because both the character for vase (ping - 瓶) and that for peace (pingan - 平安) are pronounced ‘ping’. Taotie masks are a design that first appeared during the Shang Dynasty on ritual bronze food vessels. This vase reveals the taste for antiques and for jade carvings shaped after archaic vessels that was predominant during the Qianlong period. Indeed, the Emperor had amassed enormous ancient bronzes, which decorated halls and became a scenery in the Qing palaces like his other precious collections and sustained research effort - spanned sixty years during the Qianlong reign - resulted in three catalogues of imperial bronze collection. 白玉饕餮纹瓶 中国，清代 NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.