Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Jade Rhyton Cup to the 18th Century.
18th Century, Qianlong Period
Size: Approximately 21 cm (8.25 inches) in height.
Condition: Excellent antique condition, displaying authentic natural geological patination, mineral staining, and handling wear with no modern damage or alterations.
Material: Solid, high-grade tremolite nephrite jade with natural ochre, russet, and brown mineral skin inclusions.
Weight & Physical Properties: Exceptionally heavy and dense, exceeding standard domestic kitchen scale capacity; demonstrates superior thermal retention, a smooth and distinctly waxy touch, and absolute hardness that completely resists a steel blade without scratching.
Carving & Design: Expertly detailed with high-relief and low-relief elements, featuring a powerful kui dragon wrapping the upper vessel, a fierce mythical beast forming the primary support base, and a precise key-fret border running along the rim. The carving exhibits crisp definition, balanced symmetry, and refined traditional abrasive execution across the contours and recesses.
Optical Qualities: Under natural sunlight, the stone displays a soft internal glow and characteristic subsurface translucency.
Provenance: The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London
Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Jade Rhyton Cup to the 18th Century.
Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page
An Exceptional Archaistic Pale Nephrite Jade Dragon and Mythical Beast Rhyton/Cup, 18th Century, Qianlong Period
