of jia form, the globular body carved in low relief with a band of confronted dragons above the three flared feet, the waisted neck flanked by two mask handles of different sizes, the smaller one suspending a loose ring, two high knops on the rim, the mask eyes and knops later set with coral and silver, mounted on a Cartier silver and enamel base with coral inlay, the translucent pale green stone with white mottling

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 16th/17th November 1988, lot 332.

The jia is in overall good condition. There are some minute nibbling along the extremities. The stone is of a slightly warmer tone compared to the catalogue illustration. The inlays are later additions.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Jadeite vessels in the form of archaic bronze jia are rare, although a jadeite jue fashioned with similar splaying legs and taotie mask, was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 30th May 2012, lot 4276. Compare jade vessels in the form of jia, such as one included in the exhibition Jade as Sculpture, Minnesota Museum of Art, St Paul, 1975, cat. no. 82; one sold in our New York rooms, 20th February 1979, lot 289; another sold in these rooms, 4th April 2012, lot 3275; and a fourth sold at Christie’s New York, 27th November 1991, lot 171.