Spinach-green jade ‘Beasts’ quadrangular vase, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period

Elegant spinach-green jade, with subtle greyish veins. It has a square-shaped foot, with a stepped profile that is widest at the base. The faceted body has a curved profile, which widens at the shoulders, above which is a stylised hourglass-shaped neck, flanked by four handles in relief in the shape of beasts (two elephants and two tigers), carved in great detail and from which hang rings, only two of which are movable. Covering the mouth is a pyramid-shaped lid with a handle at the top for easier handling. 

At the level of the belly there are multiple reliefs that form traditional Taotie masks, with fierce expressions, whose cheekbones are shaped by the bodies of elongated dragons, a beast that is again represented on the lid by a fine decorative border. It shows age patina and slight damage. Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period (1736-1795) or later. 

Size: 25.3 x 11 x 11 cm

Weight: 2182 g