The vase takes the form of a tree trunk and a slender beaker-shaped vessel placed side by side. Next to the stump are openwork carvings of pine, bamboo, and prunus, with a crane standing on a pine branch. A coiled chi dragon rests on the mouth of the beaker. Its belly has shallow relief carvings of bats and lingzhi fungus, with a phoenix standing beside it, treading on lingzhi fungus. The interior of the foot is incised with the mark ‘Made in the Qianlong period’. It is mounted on a zitan rosewood stand, with the character Bing carved underneath.
The rich symbolism of the motifs represents both the virtuous character of a gentleman and conveys wishes for longevity and good fortune. It is a fine jade carving that blends archaic themes with distinct characteristics of its time.
乾隆款碧玉浮雕
鹤凤松竹梅树桩形双孔花插
Qianlong-Marked Green Jade Double-Vase Flower
Holder Carved with Pine, Bamboo, and Prunus
Height with stand: 22.5 cm; vessel height: 18.2 cm;
base dimensions: 9 × 3 cm
Jade