Carved jade vase ‘Cabbage’, Qing dynasty

A small vase, also known as a ‘插花玉瓶’, made of jade carved in the shape of Chinese cabbage. It has a characteristic duality of colour between pale yellow and deep reddish amber. Masterfully carved, it depicts in three-dimensional form the figure of a cabbage, with a thick stem and broad, curved leaves, with a circular hollow in the centre, designed to hold flowers. 

The peculiar colour of the piece corresponds to its treatment, using traditional techniques of applying oils, vegetable dyes and heat, a technique known as ‘提油’. This traditional process does not damage or alter the quality of the jade, maintaining the integrity of its structure.

Size: 9.6 x 4 x 6.2 cm

Weight: 286 g

Provenance: French private collection. Certificate dated 18 September 1980, Hong Kong, enclosed.