Important light celadon nephrite "wedding" bowl, China, Qian - Lot 98

Important light celadon nephrite "wedding" bowl, China, Qianlong period (1736-1795) Round in shape, resting on four lobed feet extended on the body by a fine, archaic-style kui dragon motif in light relief. Each side of the body is embellished with a handle carved in the shape of a pixiu head. The snout is flat, the chin bearded and the eyes bulging. Long eyebrows and a stylized mane extend from either side of the skull, the latter bearing a central horn. Two wings incised with a frieze of Greciques extend on either side of the animal's torso and continue along the edge of the bowl. Each handle supports a mobile ring. Height: 7 cm; diameter: 20 cm (26 cm with handles) A tiny chip on the naseau of a pixiu. Objects of this type, known as "wedding cups", were very popular in the 18th century, their production made possible by the large quantities of high-quality jade available during the Qianlong reign. They take their name from the auspicious motifs used in the decoration (bats, butterflies, lingzhi mushrooms, Bajixiang, etc.), which allude to wishes for a long and happy married life and were therefore often offered on the occasion of a wedding. The pixiu, archaic winged dragons forming the handles and finely sculpted, are a symbol of luck, wealth, good fortune and protection.